LeisureLink
LeisureLink: The City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation Weekly Newsletter
January 21-26, 2025
2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation spring brochure now available
The 2025 Auburn Parks and Recreation Spring Brochure is here! Packed with exciting programs, events, and activities for all ages, the brochure is available online and in print. Pick up a copy at any Parks and Recreation facility, the Auburn Public Library, or City Hall, or view it online at auburnalabama.org/parks. Registration for spring programs kicks off on Monday, February 3, with a wide variety of options, including summer camps, art and ceramics classes, fitness programs, tennis, therapeutic recreation, and Adults 50+ field trips and activities. Auburn residents receive priority registration from February 3 through 16, so don’t miss your chance to secure a spot! To register, visit auburnal.myrec.com and get ready for a fun-filled spring!
2025 Auburn CityFest vendor applications now open
Auburn Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that vendor applications for the 24th annual Auburn CityFest will open on Monday, Jan. 6. Auburn CityFest, the City of Auburn’s largest annual outdoor festival, will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park.
Applications will be available online only at auburnal.myrec.com and are open for:
Food vendors
Arts and crafts vendors (must sell only hand crafted items)
Nonprofit organizations
Applications for volunteers and submissions to the Auburn CityFest Juried Art Show will also open on Jan. 6.
All applicants will be placed on a waitlist upon submission. After careful review, applicants will be notified of their acceptance or denial. Please note that past participation does not guarantee acceptance in 2025. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Auburn CityFest is a beloved tradition that brings together over 100 art exhibitors, live musical entertainment, children’s activities, delicious food and more. It is a day of fun and festivity for the entire community and one of the most anticipated events in Lee County.
For more information or to submit your application, visit auburnal.myrec.com. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of Auburn’s premier outdoor festival!
Spring Youth Sports Registration ends Thursday, January 23
Get ready for an exciting season of spring youth sports! Registration for baseball, t-ball, softball, soccer, and volleyball begins Tuesday, January 7, and is available online at auburnal.myrec.com. Registration ends Thursday, January 23, except for youth volleyball, which closes on Friday, February 2.
The City of Auburn offers financial assistance through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to cover registration fees for youth (up to age 18) participating in Auburn Parks and Recreation sports programs. CDBG funds can pay up to $50. Families seeking scholarships must complete registration online during the official registration period.
Don’t miss the chance to get your child involved in Auburn’s youth sports! Visit auburnal.myrec.com for details and to secure your spot.
Experience Creativity Unfolded at the 2025 Winter Exhibition: Paperworks
The Auburn Arts Association and Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) are thrilled to present the 2025 Winter Exhibition: Paperworks! This unique showcase features 58 captivating pieces by 39 talented area artists, highlighting innovative two-dimensional and three-dimensional creations using paper as the primary medium. The exhibition will be on display in the JDCAC art gallery from January 14 through February 21. Mark your calendars for the public reception on Thursday, January 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local artists and enjoy a diverse collection of remarkable works!
Daddy Daughter Date Night tickets on sale now
The 35th annual Daddy Daughter Date Night is quickly approaching. Daddy Daughter Date Night 2025 will be held at the City of Auburn Lake Wilmore Facility or the Wire Road Soccer Complex.
The DDDN 2025 nights are Friday, February 7th and Saturday, February 8th from 6:30-9pm each night. This year’s theme is “Black and White Ball” in honor of the 35th Annual event. It will feature a black, white, and silver theme that is very classy and formal. Come and dance the night away with your father figure! Enjoy food, music & dancing, have your photo taken, and visit with special guests.
Ticket holders are reminded that tickets are only valid for the night they were purchased. Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be resold or given to another family. All ticket sales for the event are final. Tickets go on sale on MyRec on Monday, December 9th at 8am. Please note with the switch to using MyRec customers must purchase a “father” ticket for each father figure attending, and a separate “daughter” ticket for each daughter attending. Tickets must be purchased for the SAME night for fathers and daughters. Customers will receive scannable codes in their email and must present these on their purchased night to enter the dance. Codes can be presented on your phone in the MyRec account or printed.
Auburn Parks and Recreation celebrates state award recipients
We're thrilled to highlight our amazing team members who were honored with prestigious awards by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) District V:
Edith Upchurch Lifetime Achievement Award: Houston Manning
Merit in Recreation Award: Sara Hand Custer
Merit in Parks Award: Reggie Dunn
Outstanding New Professional Award: Emillie Dombrowski
Their hard work and dedication continue to make a lasting impact on our community, from creating innovative programs to maintaining our parks and fostering the arts. Congratulations to these outstanding individuals for their achievements!
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 [email protected].
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