LeisureLink
Welcome to the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation weekly newsletter!
June 1 - June 7, 2026
SummerNight Downtown Art Walk set for June 5
SummerNight Downtown Art Walk is back on Friday, June 5, from 6–10 p.m. in downtown Auburn. This free, family‑friendly event transforms the district into a vibrant arts walk with live entertainment, children’s activities, downtown dining and shopping, and the always‑popular Artist Marketplace.
Local band OTI (Outside the Inside) will headline with a breezy Yacht Rock revue to set the perfect summer vibe. The Boat Snacks culinary contest also returns, inviting local bakers and food lovers to submit creative nautical‑themed treats. Entries may be delivered June 4 from 3–9 p.m. or June 5 from 8–11 a.m. to the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center; winners will be announced at approximately 7 p.m. on the SummerNight stage at Toomer’s Corner.
City Market Returns for the Season
City Market is back for the 2026 season beginning Saturday, May 23, and running each Saturday through Aug. 29 at Town Creek Park. Shop from 8–11 a.m. and enjoy fresh produce, handmade goods, live music and kids’ activities. Parking is available in the gravel lot across from the park, and vendors begin selling at 8 a.m. Come support our local growers, makers and artisans all summer long.
Samford Pool Open for the Season
Samford Pool is now open for the season, with designated Lap Swim and Recreation Swim times available through Aug. 1.
Lap Swim Schedule
- Monday–Friday: 5:30–7 a.m.
- Thursday: 5–8 p.m.
- Saturday: 8–11:30 a.m.
- Sunday: 12–2 p.m.
Recreation Swim Schedule
- Monday & Wednesday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Tuesday & Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Saturday: 12–5 p.m.
- Sunday: 2:30–6 p.m.
Family Splash set for June 6
Family Splash brings a full day of free community pool fun to Auburn on June 6 with swimming, sunshine and hands‑on water safety activities for all ages. Enjoy free admission at Lake Wilmore Park Pool from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and Samford Pool from 12 to 5 p.m. Families can visit the event’s Water Safety Stations for tips, demonstrations and resources to help keep everyone safe this summer. Bring the kids, bring your friends and cool off with a full day of community fun at no cost.
Oldest Penny Challenge (America250 Program)
Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to join the Oldest Penny Challenge, a designated America250 program celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. Beginning June 1, residents can bring their oldest U.S. penny to 425 Perry Street during office hours for a chance to win America250 prizes. Winners will be announced July 2.
250 Laps for 250 Years Challenge (America250 Program)
Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center invites the community to join the 250 Laps for 250 Years Challenge, a designated America250 program encouraging residents to complete 250 walking‑track laps in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Beginning June 1, participants can register through MyRec, track their progress at the front desk, and work at their own pace. Those who finish all 250 laps will earn special recognition and chances for giveaways.
World Cup Watch Party set for June 12
Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Auburn Soccer Association invite the community to a World Cup Watch Party on Friday, June 12, from 6–10 p.m. at the Wire Road Soccer Complex. Enjoy food trucks, family activities and soccer contests before cheering on Team USA vs. Paraguay at 8 p.m. on a 24’x13’ LED screen. In case of inclement weather, the event will move to the Wire Road Gym.
Lake Wilmore Park Pool Reopened March 23
Auburn Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce that pool at Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center has reopened to the public on Monday, March 23, following the completion of the final phase of the pool enclosure project.
The renovations, featuring new roll-up doors and a dehumidification system, allow the pool to operate as a fully functional, year-round aquatic facility. These improvements support Auburn Parks and Recreation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing amenities and providing high quality recreational opportunities for the community.
During the construction period, reduced monthly rates were in place to provide continued access to the other available recreation amenities. With the completion of the project, regular pricing resumed on April 1 as the pool reopens for year-round use.
For more information on operational times and regular rates, please visit auburnal.gov/aquatics.
Stay in the know with our new Pickleball E-Notifier
Love pickleball? Don’t miss a beat! Auburn Parks and Recreation has launched a new Pickleball E-notifier to keep players updated on open play schedules, events, cancellations, and more.
Sign up today to get the latest pickleball news delivered straight to your inbox.
For more information and to subscribe, visit: auburnal.gov/enotifier.
Monthly memberships will be offered at a reduced rate:
Auburn Parks and Recreation membership opportunities
The City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department is excited to introduce a new membership structure designed to provide greater access and affordability for residents to enjoy Parks and Recreation facilities.
This update coincides with the addition of the Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center, a new facility featuring a fitness center, indoor track, basketball courts, pickleball courts and pool.
Auburn Parks and Recreation has designed membership plans for every lifestyle — from those looking for a fitness upgrade to families seeking fun and wellness.
Membership options for Auburn residents (must live or work in Auburn)
Lake Wilmore Pickleball Courts and Swimming Pool Now Open
Free Amenities Membership:
Includes access to free-play basketball at Boykin Community Center (BCC), Dean Road Recreation Center (DRRC), Frank Brown Recreation Center (FBRC) and Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center (LWP), as well as the eSports room, game room and racquetball court at FBRC.
Annual registration is required for this free membership, which is available at auburnal.gov/register.
Paid Memberships:
Includes access to all fitness centers (BCC, FBRC and LWP), indoor walking track (LWP), aquatic facilities (LWP and Samford Pool), free-play basketball (BCC, DRRC, FBRC, LW) and additional amenities at Frank Brown Recreation Center (eSports room, game room and racquetball court).
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Individual Memberships
- $20/month or $200/year
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Family Memberships (includes up to six household members)
- $60/month or $600/year
- Add-On Member: $10/month per additional person
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Low-Income Discount (Medicaid Card Holders)
- 50% off membership fees
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SilverSneakers® Members (65+)
- Membership is FREE if the individual is eligible through a qualifying Medicare Advantage or supplement plan. To check if you are eligible, visit tools.silversneakers.com/Eligibility/CheckEligibility.
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Fitness Membership to BCC and FBRC ONLY
- $30/person/year
Options for non-residents & non-members
- Daily Pass: $10 per day grants access to all fitness centers, indoor track and pools
- Pool Daily Pass: $5 per day grants access to both pools (LWP and SP)
Current membership holders
Current memberships at Boykin Community Center and Frank Brown Recreation Center will be honored for those facilities ONLY. However, members interested in accessing Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center or the pools (LWP and SP) will need to purchase a new membership and will receive a one-time $30 discount off their first annual membership purchase.
Membership access
- Membership is non-refundable, non-transferable and can only be used by the card holder.
- Children ages 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while using the fitness centers.
Membership cards can be picked up from the Frank Brown Recreation Center or Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center.
For cash payments, please visit the Harris Center. Please note, those paying in cash will still be required to complete the online registration for membership.
For more information, please contact 334-501-2930 or registration@auburnal.gov, visit auburnal.gov/parks. or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.
Auburn Parks and Recreation seeking talented instructors
Auburn Parks and Recreation is looking for qualified contract instructors to teach classes and programs in the community. The department is seeking passionate individuals with expertise in fitness, arts, sports and recreation to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with Auburn residents.
Auburn Parks and Recreation offers a diverse range of programs and activities for people of all ages and abilities. The department is looking for instructors to lead classes in areas such as:
- Fitness: Aquatics, Low Impact, Teen Fitness and Preschool Fitness
- Wellness: Nutrition Education, Stress Management, Support Group Leaders and Mindfulness Workshops
- Senior Programs: Mahjong, Bunco, Fitness, Music, etc.
- Special Needs Programs: Art, Writing, Finance, Dance, etc.
- Special Interests: Homeschool Leaders, CPR/First Aid, ACT Prep, etc.
- Athletics: Youth League Coaches, Tennis Instructors, Special Olympics Coaches
Qualified candidates should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as a proven ability to create engaging and effective learning environments. Experience in teaching group classes is preferred but not required. References, and in some cases certifications, will be required.
Interested individuals may email Community and Special Programs Administrator Gabby Filgo at gfilgo@auburnal.gov.
Auburn Parks and Recreation is accepting reservation requests online
Auburn Parks and Recreation accepts facility and park reservation requests online. Those who wish to reserve a facility, athletic facility or park pavilion can complete their application for request using their online account at auburnal.myrec.com.
Please make all requests at least two weeks prior to the desired reservation date in order to leave time for the approval process. Requests must be reviewed and approved by the facility director and department director. Once approved, payments can be made online using a credit card or by cash or check in-person at the Harris Center.
Yarbrough Tennis Center Updates
Visit YTC News for the latest at the Yarbrough Tennis Center
