LeisureLink

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

March 17-23, 2025

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.

Try it for FREE

A one-time free trial for Auburn residents will be available March 17–31, 2025. This is a great opportunity to explore all the facilities and experience what they have to offer before purchasing a membership! To register for the free trial and view hours for each facility, visit auburnalabama.org/parks/register.

Purchase your membership

Beginning today, March 3, 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.

12th Annual Empty Bowls Fri., March 21

Join us on Friday, March 21, for the 12th-annual Auburn-Opelika Empty Bowls event at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in Auburn. From 5:30-7:30 p.m., enjoy an evening dedicated to raising awareness about food insecurity in our community. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at foodbankofeastalabama.com under the Events tab. All proceeds will directly benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama, helping to support those in need.

Attendees will choose a handmade bowl created by local artists from the Jan Dempsey and Denson Drive Ceramic Studios to take home as a reminder of the ongoing fight against hunger. The evening will also feature a ceramics art exhibition, delicious soups and breads donated by local businesses, live music, and opportunities to purchase additional ceramic pieces and gift baskets. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait to secure your spot! For more details or to contribute to this meaningful event, contact Art Education Specialist Emillie Dombrowski at 334-501-2944 or edombrowski@auburnalabama.org.

Bark in the Park and Tails & Trails Sat., March 22

Join Active Auburn for the 13th annual Bark in the Park on Saturday, March 22, at Kiesel Park! The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with the 5th annual Tails and Trails 3K, a free fun run for you and your furry best friend. Participants can purchase an optional event t-shirt for $15, but be sure to register online by Thursday, March 6, to guarantee your size. Late registrants can snag one of the limited shirts available on a first-come, first-served basis at the event. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers, along with a best-dressed pup contest at 9:45 a.m. near the starting line.

After the run, stick around for Bark in the Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and enjoy a variety of vendors promoting responsible pet ownership. Don’t forget to check out the Parks and Recreation website to purchase t-shirts from past events! Whether you’re racing with your "paw-tner" or browsing booths with your pup, Bark in the Park is sure to be a doggone good time for the whole family.

Sporting Events at Auburn Parks and Recreation Facilities March 20-23

Get ready for an action-packed weekend at Auburn Parks and Recreation facilities! The excitement kicks off Thursday, March 20, at Yarbrough Tennis Center as Auburn Men’s Tennis takes on the University of Kentucky at 3 p.m., followed by a match against Texas A&M on Saturday, March 22, at noon. Auburn Women’s Tennis will face Vanderbilt on Friday, March 21, at 5 p.m. and Missouri on Sunday, March 23, at noon—don’t miss the free giveaways at all tennis events, which are open to the public. The City of Auburn Raptors Basketball Tournament will bring thrilling competition to Frank Brown Rec Center, Wire Road Soccer Complex, and Lake Wilmore on March 22-23. Additionally, the Grand Slam Diamond Kings Baseball Tournament is confirmed for March 23 at Duck Samford Baseball Fields. Auburn High School Softball will also host a tournament at the Auburn Softball Complex on Saturday, March 22, rounding out a fantastic weekend of sports action in Auburn!

Registration opens for Auburn Parks and Recreation Easter Events March 1

Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to invite the community to join in the celebration of the Easter season with two fun-filled events: the 4th Annual Breakfast with the Bunny and the 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt. These popular events offer a chance for families to make lasting memories while celebrating this festive time of year. Registration for both events will open on MyRec beginning Saturday, March 1, at 8 a.m. Be sure to secure your spots early!

The 4th Annual Breakfast with the Bunny will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Lake Wilmore Park Recreation Center. This family-friendly event features a delicious buffet-style breakfast from Another Broken Egg, along with exciting activities for children ages five and under. Guests can enjoy Easter egg hunts, balloon animals, face painting, a petting zoo, inflatables, and even a train ride. Photos with the Easter Bunny will also be available for those looking to capture the moment. Tickets are $10 per person, with children under 6 months attending for free with an adult ticket purchase.

The 45th Annual Easter Egg Hunt will follow on 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!

Inaugural Juried Ceramics Exhibition

The City of Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Auburn Arts Association invite you to experience the Inaugural Juried Ceramics Exhibition at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center Art Gallery! This exciting new exhibition showcases a diverse selection of ceramic works from talented artists and will be on display through April 11, 2025.

This exhibition is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the creativity and craftsmanship of ceramic art. Don't miss your chance to visit and appreciate these one-of-a-kind pieces!

For more information, please contact us at 334-501-2944 or email edombrowski@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.

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