LeisureLink

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

May 19-26, 2025

Parks and Recreation Memorial Day Schedule

All Auburn Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed for Monday, May 26 in honor of Memorial Day with the exception of the following facilities:

The Yarbrough Tennis Center will be open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Samford Pool will be open for lap swim from 7-8:30 a.m. and for rec swim from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lake Wilmore Park Pool will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

All City of Auburn parks and cemeteries will be open sun up to sun down.

Samford Pool opens for the summer Sat., May 24 Lake Wilmore Pool hours

Grab your googles and get ready to jump off the high dive!

Samford Pool will officially open for the summer season this Saturday, May 24th!  Whether you're here to swim a few laps or just splash around and have some fun — swipe to see our pool hours or check them out below! 🏊‍♂️

Samford Pool Hours:

🔹 Mon–Fri

• Lap: 5:30–7 AM (Fri till 9 AM)

• Rec: 9 AM–8 PM (Tues/Thurs till 5 PM, Fri till 7 PM)

🔹 Thurs: Extra Lap Swim 5 PM–8 PM

🔹 Sat

• Lap: 8–11 AM

• Rec: 11:30 AM–5 PM

🔹 Sun

• Lap: 12–2 PM

• Rec: 2:30–5 PM

Don’t forget—Lake Wilmore Park Pool is also open!

Lake Wilmore Open Swim Only:

• Mon–Fri: 6–10:30 AM

• Mon/Thurs/Fri: 2–4:30 PM (Fri till 5 PM)

• Sat: 8–11:30 AM

• Sun: 1–5:30 PM

Two pools. One great summer. See you there, Auburn!

Pickleball Courts closure to begin May 27

Pickleball courts at the Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center will be closed in pairs beginning May 27 to facilitate continuing work to finish the facility. Work is scheduled to be complete by June 1, weather and conditions permitting.

Work will begin at the southwest courts moving to the middle and northern courts, with two adjacent courts closed at a time.

We appreciate the patience of Lake Wilmore visitors as we work to complete this amenity for Auburn residents.

Please remember, this site will be considered an active construction site throughout the duration of the project. Please follow all posted signage.

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

Live & Local Music Series begins at Kiesel Park Thu., May 22

Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community to enjoy Live & Local Music Series—formerly known as the Sundown Concert Series—every Thursday in May at Kiesel Park from 6–7:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family for a relaxing evening of live music from local favorites under the spring sky. The Chill Spot food truck will be on site offering delicious dinner options, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic. Leashed dogs are welcome, too! This year’s lineup features The Sally Brown Band (May 22) and The Tony Brook Band (May 29). For more information, contact Jarrett Jones at (334) 501-2941 or jyjones@auburnalabama.org.

Color in the Garden Reception Thu., May 22 at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center

The Auburn Arts Association and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) invite the public to celebrate the opening of the 2025 May Invitational Exhibition, Color in the Garden, at a reception on Thursday, May 22, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the JDCAC.

Join us for an evening of art, conversation and light refreshments as we highlight a collection of works by local area art professionals, students, amateur artists and crafters. Each piece highlights an interpretation of colors found in a garden. This reception offers an opportunity to meet participating artists and view a variety of two- and three-dimensional works.

The full exhibition will be on display in the art gallery at the JDCAC from May 14 – June 21.

Send off for Lee County Special Olympians competing 2025 State Games

The Lee County Special Olympics team is headed to the 2025 State Games in Troy, Alabama, May 23–24! A group of 41 dedicated athletes will represent our community as they compete in aquatics, athletics (track and field), bowling, and golf. This year’s event is even more significant, serving as a qualifier for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota—athletes who place first in their event may be eligible for selection. Help us give them a proper send-off on Friday, May 23! Meet at the lower gravel lot at Duck Samford Stadium (off East Glenn Ave.) between 10:15–10:30 a.m. to cheer on our athletes before they depart at 11 a.m. with a police escort from the Auburn Police Department. Local law enforcement and Aubie will be there to help send them off in style! For more information, contact Elizabeth Kaufman at (334) 501-2939 or email ekaufman@auburnalabama.org.

Weekend Tournaments at Auburn Parks and Facilities

Memorial Day Weekend Heats Up with National Competition

Get ready, Auburn—Memorial Day weekend is bringing major league energy to our hometown fields! The Turf Wars flag football tournament kicks off Saturday and Sunday, May 24–25, airing live on ESPN3. Top-tier teams from across the U.S. will battle it out for bragging rights and the chance to be crowned Turf Wars champions. The competition will be fierce, the plays will be electric, and the whole country will be watching. Don’t miss your chance to witness sports history in the making—right here at Auburn’s Wire Road complex! Visit www.aotourism.com/events/ for all the details on game times.

Just down the road, the Duck Samford Baseball Fields will host the Grand Slam Baseball Tournament all weekend long. Step up to the plate and catch incredible youth baseball action as players give it their all in this high-energy showdown. With back-to-back games, competitive spirit, and plenty of ballpark thrills, this is the perfect way to spend a holiday weekend with the family. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or enjoying the sunshine at the park, Auburn Parks and Recreation has your Memorial Day weekend covered!

The first City Market of the Season Sat., May 24

City Market returns for the summer season! Auburn Parks and Recreation invites the community, growers, and consumers alike to join us at Town Creek Park every Saturday from May 24th until August 30th from

8 - 11am. The market will host local farmers, growers and artists to sell their produce and handmade products. FREE to the public.

SummerNight Downtown Art Walk Friday June 6 in Downtown Auburn

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! The 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!

Registration for summer programs continues

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 has begun 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. Visit auburnal.myrec.com to register.

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

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 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 OpenFree 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+) – 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

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.

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 auburnal.gov/parks. or follow @COAParksAndRec on Facebook and Instagram.

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