LeisureLink
LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter
November 4-11, 2024
Auburn Parks and Recreation Facilities Schedule for Veteran Day Nov. 11
In honor of Veterans Day, all Auburn Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed on Monday, November 11, with the exception of the Yarbrough Tennis Center, which will operate during regular hours. Please note that no adult or children’s tennis clinics will be offered that day. However, all parks, playgrounds, and cemeteries will remain open from sunrise to sunset, providing a space for reflection and appreciation of our veterans. We thank you for your understanding and encourage everyone to take a moment to honor those who have served.
2025 Winter Program Registration going on now
The 2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation brochure is now available in print and online. Registration for winter programs will open Monday, November 4. The printed brochure is available at parks and recreation facilities, the Auburn Public Library, and city hall. To view the brochure online visit auburnalamaba.org/parks/programs.
2024 Juried Photography Exhibition Reception Fri., Nov. 8
The Auburn Arts Association and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center invite the public to the 2024 Juried Photography Exhibition Reception on Friday, November 8, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This exciting exhibition features works from artists currently residing or working in Lee County.
The exhibition will be held in the art gallery at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC), from November 1st through December 14th. This competitive exhibition was open to all artists and photographers whether they were professional, amateur or student photographers. Merits and purchase awards will be presented at the reception.
The Auburn Youth Football Association Shugar Bowl Sat., Nov. 9
The Auburn Youth Football Association will host the 2024 Shugar Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Duck Samford Football Stadium. The Shugar Bowl is the Auburn Youth Football Association's League Championship and began in 1974 in honor of legendary AU Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan. The team championships will be girls and boys flag football and tackle football. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. The public is invited to attend.
Tournaments at Auburn Parks and Recreation Facilities Sat., Nov. 9
Yarbrough Tennis Center will host the Auburn Area Singles Ladder Tournament. This tournament will be played in a roughly a half day on Saturday Morning. Matches will be played on the outdoor clay courts but if there is inclement weather matches will be delayed until Sunday or may be played on the indoor hard courts.
Auburn Softball Complex will host the MVP Sports Fall Nationals girls fast pitch softball tournament on Sat., Nov. 9.
Interpretive Hikes at Kiesel Park Sat., Nov. 9
On Saturday, November 9th, Auburn University students will guide interpretive hikes at Kiesel Park, located at 520 Chadwick Lane. Join us to explore the ecology, history, and heritage of the area with students from the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment. Staff from the Alabama Wildlife Federation and Nature Center will also be present, offering additional interpretive and educational resources to enhance the experience.
The first hike begins at 9 a.m., and hikes will continue every 20 minutes, with the last one departing at 11:20 a.m. Each hike will last approximately 60-90 minutes, covering the park's scenic 2.25-mile trail system. This event is open to everyone, and we encourage community members to come out, enjoy the fresh air, and learn more about the natural and cultural significance of Kiesel Park.
These hikes are a part of Auburn University’s new Parks and Recreation Management Program, led by students enrolled in the course PARK 3010: Environmental Interpretation. Through this hands-on program, students learn to manage parks and protected areas, create recreational opportunities, and promote environmental stewardship. Auburn Parks and Recreation is proud to support these students in sharing their knowledge and passion for the outdoors.
18th Annual Holiday Art Sale Sat., Nov. 16
The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks and Recreation Department will host the 18th annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center and the Frank Brown Recreation Center. Get in the holiday spirit by attending this festive shopping experience! The Holiday Art Sale is a great place to get a head start on your Christmas shopping while meeting local artists selling their own unique handmade work. Admission is FREE and open to the public!
The event features local and regional artists selling handmade works, including pottery, paintings, personalized items, photography, handmade soap, jewelry, gourmet food items, scarves, hats, candles and more! A portion of the proceeds support the Auburn Arts Association and their many art education programs. Applications will be available online from Monday, September 30th – Friday, November 8th, 2024. A limited number of spaces will be available.
To submit a vendor application please visit auburnalabama.org/parks/register. For more information regarding the 18th annual Holiday Art Sale, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/arts, or contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at 334.501.2944 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
Yarbrough Tennis Center named Premier Facility by the USTA
We are thrilled to announce that the City of Auburn/Auburn University Yarbrough Tennis Center has been named a USTA Premier Facility! This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to excellence in tennis operations and programming. Only 50 facilities nationwide received this honor, and we are proud to be among them. Special thanks to our incredible team including Melissa Shaver, Sarah Hill, Bret Peterson and Francois Boseman for making this achievement possible.
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.
Frank Brown Recreation Center Membership Card Required to play racquetball and free basketball
Auburn Parks and Recreation now requires membership cards for free play basketball and racquetball.
Free play basketball and racquetball at Frank Brown Recreation Center are open free of charge to citizens who live, work or attend school within the city limits of Auburn, AL and to non-citizens for a one-time $30.00 fee. A membership must be acquired for free play basketball and racquetball regardless of age. Replacement cards will cost $30.00 regardless of residency. The membership card is non-transferable and can only be used by the card holder. You must be at least 13 years of age to participate in free play basketball and 15 years of age to participate in racquetball. Children ages 13-18 must have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian at the time of application.
Memberships can be obtained at the Harris Center Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can register for a membership at auburnalabama.org/parks/register. To view a membership application, including a list of acceptable proof of residency documents, visit auburnalabama.org/parks.
Frank Brown Recreation Center is open Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and Sun. 1-5 p.m. The Frank Brown Recreation Center is located at 235 Opelika Road. For more information call 334-501-2962.
Yarbrough Tennis Center Updates
Visit YTC News for the latest at the Yarbrough Tennis Center