LeisureLink

LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter

April 14-20, 2025

Lake Wilmore Pickleball Courts to open Wed., April 16

The first set of pickleball courts at the new Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center will open on Wednesday, April 16. Twelve covered and lit courts will be available for public use free of charge.

The courts will be first-come, first-served daily from sunrise to 9 p.m. unless otherwise reserved or designated for a Parks and Recreation program. Restrooms inside the recreation center will be available during the center’s regular hours:

Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday: 6 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m.-noon

Sunday: 1-6 p.m.

During peak times when the courts are full and players are waiting to use the courts, players should follow the following rotation rules:

Limit warm-up times to five minutes or less.

Limit court time to best two out of three games to 11, winning by 2. Winners may stay on for three games max.

After games, players should exit the court immediately and return to the waiting area.

Waiting players should place their paddles in the paddle rack from left to right.

Another six pickleball courts are under construction and are expected to open later in 2025. Temporary closures of all courts are expected as construction is completed. All closures will be announced via the City’s eNotifier, at auburnalabama.org/parks and @COAParksAndRec Facebook and Instagram.

For everyone’s safety, visitors are reminded to follow all posted signage and to stay away from active construction zones on the property. The City thanks the community for its patience and support as it ensures the facility meets the highest quality standards.

For more information, please contact 334-501-2930, visit auburnalabama.org/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.

Cops on Top Fri., April 18 at area Kroger Stores

Local law enforcement agencies will rally in support of the Lee County Special Olympics during the 2025 Cops on Top fundraiser on Friday, April 18. The annual event will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kroger on Dean Road in Auburn and the Tiger Town Kroger in Opelika.

Officers from the Auburn Police Department will be stationed at the Dean Road Kroger while the Opelika Police Department will host the event at the Tiger Town location with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

As part of the Cops on Top tradition, some officers will take their post on the rooftops of the Kroger stores, while others will greet customers and accept donations near the entrances alongside Special Olympics athletes.

This year’s event will feature lunch for $5 — including a hot dog, chips and a drink — at both locations from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Cops on Top is a regional fundraising and awareness campaign supporting Special Olympics, an organization that offers year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Community members are encouraged to stop by either Kroger location to support a great cause and help make a difference in the lives of local athletes.

For more information about Auburn Parks and Recreation programs and facilities, please contact 334-501-2930, visit auburnalabama.org/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.

Auburn Parks and Recreation offers new membership options along side opening of Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center

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 brand-new facility featuring a fitness center, indoor track, basketball courts, pickleball courts and pool.

Auburn residents are invited to register for a two-week free trial, which will begin on March 17, for the fitness center, indoor track and pool. Those portions of the facility will open to members and daily pass holders beginning on April 1. Details on registering for the free trial and membership options can be found below.

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)

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 auburnalabama.org/parks/registration.

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+) – Available for registration beginning April 1, 2025

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 your membership

Memberships are available for purchase with membership access beginning April 1, 2025.

Membership cards can be picked up from the Frank Brown Recreation Center or Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center beginning March 17, 2025.

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.

Future opening phases

Other elements of Lake Wilmore — including the pickleball courts, multipurpose fields and mountain bike trails — will continue to open throughout the year as different components of the project are completed. Visitors are reminded to stay away from active construction zones on the property for everyone’s safety.

Please stay tuned for further announcements regarding upcoming events, activities and future opening dates. The City thanks the community for its patience and support as it ensures the facility meets the highest quality standards.

For more information, please contact 334-501-2930 or registration@auburnalabama.org, visit auburnalabama.org/parks or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.

Registration now open  for the 31st Annual Fishing Rodeo

Get ready to cast your line at the 31st Annual Fishing Rodeo, sponsored by Evans Realty! This family favorite returns on Saturday, May 3 from 7–11 a.m. at the Auburn Technology Park South Lake. Registration opens April 1 for Auburn residents and April 14 for non-residents, and spots fill up fast—so don’t wait! Registration is $5, Auburn Parks and Recreation will supply the bait. The free rod and reels giveaway is now sold out. Enjoy prizes awarded for the biggest, smallest, and most fish caught, it’s sure to be a fun-filled morning for all. Entry is just $5 per child, with age categories of 0–3, 4–6, 7–10, and 11–14. Pre-registration is required, so visit auburnal.myrec.com or auburnalabama.org/parks to secure your spot today! For more information contact Trevor Culligan, Community Program Coordinator at (334) 501-2948 or tculligan@auburnalabama.org.

Get Ready for an Eggcellent Adventure!

Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to host the fifth annual Eggcellent Easter Scavenger Hunt, happening Saturday, April 12, through Wednesday, April 16. Each day, families and individuals can explore various City of Auburn parks, facilities, and partner locations in search of hidden Easter eggs and fun surprises. A new clue will be posted daily at 8 a.m. on the Auburn Parks and Recreation Facebook page, leading participants to that day’s mystery location.

Once you find the Easter egg, scan the QR code using your smartphone to unlock the next clue. After solving all the clues at the location, you’ll have the chance to enter your name into a daily prize drawing—just one entry per day, but the more days you participate, the more chances you have to win! On Thursday, April 17, five lucky participants will be randomly selected to receive a $25 gift card to a local business and a festive Easter basket packed with goodies. Don’t miss out on this egg-citing citywide adventure!

Registration  for Auburn Parks and Recreation open for the 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to invite the community to join in the celebration of the Easter with the 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Registration is now open  for all residents. The cost to participate is $5 per child. Register at MyRec today.

The Easter Egg Hunt is  Saturday, April 19, at Duck Samford Baseball Park, where thousands of eggs will be hidden across the fields for participants to find. With a variety of age groups and exciting prizes, this event is sure to be a highlight of the season!

Weekend Events at Auburn Parks and Recreation Facilities | April 16-20

Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to host a week full of events from April 16–20! Head over to the Yarbrough Tennis Center to cheer on the Auburn University Women’s Tennis Team as they compete in the SEC Championships, held April 16–20. Watch top-tier tennis talent in action as the Tigers take on the best in the conference, building on an impressive season of wins. Both individual and team events will be showcased throughout the tournament, offering fans plenty of thrilling moments to enjoy. Don’t miss the chance to support Auburn’s athletes as they aim for championship glory right here at home.

On Friday, April 19, swing by the Kroger on Dean Road between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. for Cops on Top, where local law enforcement officers will be raising money for the Lee County Special Olympics. Then, on Saturday, April 20, families can hop over to the New Duck Samford Baseball Fields for the 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Registration is required in advance, and the cost is $5 per child. Please note that walk-up registration will not be available. It's a great opportunity for kids to enjoy springtime fun while parents capture lasting memories.

20th Annual Juried Art Show Preview Reception Thu., April 24

Auburn Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Auburn Arts Association and Auburn-Opelika Tourism, invites the community to the 20th annual Juried Art Show and Preview Reception on Thursday, April 24, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Historic Nunn-Winston House in Kiesel Park. Held in conjunction with Auburn CityFest 2025, this exhibition will showcase an impressive variety of fine art from regional artists, including paintings, drawings, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Guests can enjoy live music by local artist Wynn Christian while mingling with artists and browsing the displayed works, many of which will be available for purchase.

Artists interested in participating must register through the City of Auburn MyRec system at auburncityfest.org by Monday, April 21. The entry fee is $35, but it is waived for artists with exhibitor booths at Auburn CityFest. Up to $1,000 in merit awards will be presented, including two $250 Special Awards sponsored by Auburn-Opelika Tourism, with winners announced during the reception. All submitted works will remain on display during Auburn CityFest on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details, contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 334-501-2944 or email coordinator Emillie Dombrowski at edombrowski@auburnalabama.org.

24th Annual Auburn CityFest Sat., April 26

Auburn’s largest outdoor festival returns this spring as the 24th Annual Auburn CityFest takes over Kiesel Park on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event features a full day of live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and children’s activities. This year’s headlining performance is Circus Incredible, a jaw-dropping act featuring a blend of first- and seventh-generation circus performers. The festival will also include Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, Bama Air Dogs, Todd Key the stilt walker, the Auburn University Raptor Center, and appearances by everyone’s favorite tiger, Aubie.

Families can enjoy live music from The WannaBeatles, a Beatles tribute band, as well as inflatables, face painting, and interactive art at the Children’s ArtFest Tent. With more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, over 20 food vendors, and a wide variety of community organizations, Auburn CityFest offers something for everyone. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a free giveaway. Auburn CityFest is free to attend and will be held rain or shine. For full event details, visit auburncityfest.org.

SummerNight sponsorship and applications now open

Mark your calendars for one of Auburn’s favorite summer traditions—the 19th Annual SummerNight Downtown Art Walk, happening Friday, June 6 from 6–10 p.m.! This vibrant, family-friendly festival transforms downtown Auburn into a bustling arts district, featuring local and regional artists, live music, delicious food, and interactive activities for all ages. Hosted by the City of Auburn/Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, and St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, SummerNight is a celebration of creativity and community in the heart of our city.

This year’s theme celebrates the great outdoors, and culinary artists are invited to join the fun by entering the Marshmallow Mania Culinary Contest—get creative with your favorite marshmallow treat for a chance to win! Artists, businesses, volunteers, and food vendors can register starting March 19 at auburnsummernight.org or auburnal.myrec.com. Vendor applications are due by May 28, and marshmallow contest entries are due June 6 by 11 a.m. Want to support the arts and promote your business? Sponsorship opportunities are available—contact Emillie Dombrowski at edombrowski@auburnalabama.org or 334-501-2963 to get involved!

2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation Summer Brochure now available

Get ready for a summer full of fun, adventure, and community with the 2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation Summer Brochure—now available in print and online! Whether you're looking for exciting camps for the kids, engaging programs for adults 50+, or ways to stay active with aquatics, fitness, and art classes, there’s something for everyone this season.

Summer program registration begins Monday, May 5, so be sure to plan ahead and secure your spot early. Pick up a printed copy of the brochure at the Auburn Public Library, any Parks and Recreation facility, or City Hall. You can also view the full brochure online for easy access anytime, anywhere.

Don’t miss out on everything Auburn Parks and Recreation has to offer this summer!

Call for entries for the 2025 May Invitational Exhibition: Color in the Garden

Area professional, student, and amateur artists and craft persons 18 years and older are invited to submit up to two original, theme-reflected works for possible inclusion in the 2025 May Invitational Exhibition: Color in the Garden. Submissions may be two- or three-dimensional in any style or medium—including photographic and digital—with creative interpretations of gardens, color, and nature-inspired subjects encouraged. All 2-D works must be framed and properly prepared for hanging; 3-D works must be stable and ready for display. There is no entry fee, and works may be available for sale. Entries must be hand-delivered to the Art Gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on Tuesday, May 6 or Wednesday, May 7 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. A public reception will be held during the exhibition. For more information, contact Sara Custer, Cultural Arts Administrator, at 334-501-2963 or scuster@auburnalabama.org.

Auburn Parks and Recreation hiring summer camp counselors and lifeguards

Auburn Parks and Recreation is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as summer camp counselors and lifeguards! We’re hiring for Camp Kaleidoscope, Camp Wilmore, Camp Quest, and our Therapeutics camps, where you’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of local youth. As a camp counselor, you’ll lead exciting activities, assist with daily operations, and help create a welcoming and inclusive environment that ensures every camper has a summer to remember.

We’re also seeking dedicated lifeguards to work at our city pool facilities, helping community members enjoy their summer to the fullest. Whether you’re passionate about working with kids or skilled at managing pool operations, these positions offer the chance to develop leadership skills, work in a dynamic team environment, and make a difference in your community. Don’t miss out on this rewarding opportunity—apply today at Government Jobs Auburn and join us for an unforgettable summer!

USTA Alabama honors local Auburn Tennis Players

On Saturday, February 8, several Auburn community members were recognized by USTA Alabama at their annual meeting and awards ceremony at the Vestavia Hills Country Club. The Family of the Year was awarded to the Park/Kim Family, the Female League Captain of the Year was awarded to Catherine Williams, the Female Player of the Year was awarded to Tomoko Maeda, and our very own Sarah Hill was recognized with the Marilyn Sherman Spirit Award. The Marilyn Sherman Spirit Award is given annually to a staff member or volunteer who exemplifies extraordinary spirit in growing the game of tennis and the award is named for Marilyn Sherman, a long-time USTA Southern Director of Adult Competition and Leagues. We are thrilled to have so many from Auburn recognized on a state level and are thankful for their commitment to growing the game of tennis and their support of the Yarbrough Tennis Center. And we are especially proud of Sarah for being recognized for her enthusiasm and dedication to growing league play at the tennis center.

City Market Vendor Applications now available

Are you a local grower or artisan wanting to share your products with those in the community? Apply to be a vendor at Auburn Parks and Recreation's 2025 City Market!

City Market vendor applications are now open. City Market will be held every Saturday from May 24 to Aug. 30 at Town Creek Park from 8-11 a.m. Vendor set-up begins at 7 a.m.

Farmers, growers and artists who are interested in participating in the City Market must fill out an online application or apply in-person at the Harris Center located at 425 Perry St.

For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/citymarket.

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@auburnalabama.org.

Auburn Parks and Recreation accepting reservation request online

Auburn Parks and Recreation is now accepting 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