LeisureLink

Welcome to the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation weekly newsletter!

Jan. 26 - Feb. 1, 2026

Camp Registration opens Monday, Feb. 2

Get ready for a summer of fun, creativity, and adventure with Auburn Parks and Recreation! Registration for our 2026 summer camps opens 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2 for Auburn residents on MyRec.

Camps offered include:

• Camp Voyager – for rising 1st & 2nd graders

• Camp Kaleidoscope – for rising 2nd & 3rd graders

• Camp Atlas – for rising 3rd & 4th graders

• Camp Quest – for rising 4th–6th graders

• TRailseekers Camp – for youth and teens with special needs

• TRailblazers Camp – for teens and adults with special needs

• Gross Out Camp – for rising 2nd–4th graders

• AACT Academy – Musical Theater Camp

• AACT Academy – Summer “Play” and Tech Camp

• AACT Academy – Summer “Play” in the Woods

• AACT Academy – Summer Intensive

• Chess Wizards Summer Camp

• Visual Arts Workshops for Children

From swimming and games to arts, theater, and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every camper. Don’t wait — spots fill quickly!

2026 Juried Photography Biennial

The 2026 Juried Photography Biennial is now on view at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Art Gallery through Feb. 26, 2026. This exhibition features original works by professional, student, and amateur photographers from across Alabama and neighboring Georgia counties, showcasing a wide range of photographic media and creative perspectives.

The Biennial highlights the talent and vision of artists 18 and older, offering the community an opportunity to experience the richness of regional photography. Don’t miss this chance to explore compelling images and support local artists.

Progress continues on new TrekFit wall at Town Creek Inclusive Playground

Construction is moving along on the new TrekFit wall at Town Creek Inclusive Playground! Crews have been busy installing the upgraded structure, bringing new ways to climb, play and stay active. The area surrounding the wall (including the small pavilion, nearby seating area, and walkway entrance from Camellia Drive near Wrights Mill Road) will remain closed as work continues.

Register now for Spring Programs

Get ready for a new season of programs, activities and sports! Register now at auburnal.gov/parks/register!

Don’t miss your chance to sign up and secure your spot for the upcoming season.

2026 Auburn CityFest vendor and sponsorship applications are now open

Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that vendor applications for the 25th annual Auburn CityFest are now open! Auburn CityFest—our largest annual outdoor festival—will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Kiesel Park.

Applications are available online only at auburnal.myrec.com for the following categories:

• Food vendors (Food Vendor Applications are closed - all spaces have been filled.)
• Arts and crafts vendors (handcrafted items only)
• Nonprofit organizations
• Sponsorships

All applicants will be placed on a waitlist upon submission. Once applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified of their acceptance or denial. Please note that past participation does not guarantee acceptance for 2026.

Auburn CityFest is a beloved community tradition featuring more than 100 art exhibitors, live entertainment, children’s activities, delicious food and more. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of Auburn’s premier outdoor festival!

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.

Lake Wilmore Park Pool is closed for upgrades

The pool at Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center is closed for the final phase of construction on the pool enclosure that is expected to last into early 2026.

The project will include installing roll-up doors and a dehumidification system, allowing the pool to fully function year-round. These upgrades are part of ongoing efforts to enhance the facility and improve the overall experience for members and guests.

During the closure, yearly All-Inclusive memberships will not be available for purchase. Existing yearly memberships will automatically be extended by one month for each month the pool is closed.

Monthly memberships will be offered at a reduced rate:

• Individual Monthly and Monthly Auto Draft: $10/month
• Family Monthly and Monthly Auto Draft: $30/month
• Individual Daily Passes: $5/day

These discounted rates provide continued access to other amenities at the Boykin Community Center, Frank Brown Recreation Center and Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center while the pool is undergoing improvements.

For more information about the project and updates on reopening, please contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at webparksrec@auburnal.gov or 334-501-2930.

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 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).

• Individual Memberships
  • $20/month or $200/year
• Family Memberships (includes up to six household members)
  • $60/month or $600/year
  • Add-On Member: $10/month per additional person
• Low-Income Discount (Medicaid Card Holders)
  • 50% off membership fees
• 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.
• 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.

Purchase a membership

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