5 must-visit parks in Auburn and Opelika, including a NEW inclusive playground [Photos]

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Spring is here, and it’s never been a better time to visit the Auburn-Opelika area! From mountain biking to pickleball—and everything in between—the Auburn-Opelika area has something fun for people of all ages, interests and abilities. Keep reading to learn more!

1. Opelika Pickleball Facility — Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center

Did you know that pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the United States for three years in a row? Similar to tennis but on a smaller court, pickleball is an easy-to-learn activity that’s popular among all ages.

The Opelika Pickleball Facility at the Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center offers a total of 24 individually fenced regulation courts under two covered facilities with LED lighting, ample parking and more. The best part? The facility is free and open for public use 24/7!

Learn more about the Opelika Pickleball Facility.

Opelika Pickleball Facility: 1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika, AL 36801

2. Town Creek Inclusive Playground 

Completed in mid-2022, Town Creek Inclusive Playground is one of the newest attractions in the Auburn-Opelika area. With more than 30 play structures on the 60,000-square-foot campus, the Town Creek Inclusive Playground has something fun for kids of all ages, abilities and interests, including:

• Playground equipment
• Parallel play components
• Fitness equipment
• Sensory components

In addition, the playground is surfaced with poured rubber and ADA-compliant accessible turf to enable those who use assistive devices to access all parts of the playground. The playground campus includes two pavilions, which can be rented out for private events.

• Town Creek Inclusive Playground: 1150 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36832
• Hours: Every day from 7AM to 8PM

3. Tumble Tree Disc Golf Course — Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center

Also located at the Opelika Sportsplex & Aquatics Center, the Tumble Tree Disc Golf Course is a great course for pros and first-timers alike. The 18-hole course crosses bodies of water, follows trails through peaceful pine forests and travels over inclines and hills—AND it’s free to play!

Players are encouraged to bring their own discs and plenty of water while playing the course.

Pro Tip: Write your name and phone number on your discs in case they get lost!

• Tumble Tree Disc Golf Course: 1001 Andrews Rd, Opelika, AL 36801

4. Opelika Community Archery Park — Spring Villa Park

A recent addition to Spring Villa Park, the Opelika Community Archery Park was made possible thanks to a partnership between the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Archery Trade Association and the City of Opelika. The park is free, open to the public year-round and includes:

• A shooting house with 12 covered bays
• Targets ranging from 20 to 60 yards
• A raised platform to simulate tree stand hunting conditions

Archers must posses a valid hunting license, fishing license or wildlife heritage license to shoot at the Opelika Community Archery Park. For a full list of rules, visit the Opelika Community Archery Park website.

• Opelika Community Archery Park: 1474 Co Rd 148, Opelika, AL 36804
• Hours: Every day from 7AM until dark

5. Mountain Biking Trails — Chewacla State Park

Did you know that the 696-acre Chewacla State Park is home to several exciting mountain biking trails? Thanks to the park’s partnership with Central Alabama Mountain Peddlers (CAMP), Chewacla is able to offer eight mountain biking trails—ranging from flat, easy trails for beginners to adrenaline-pumping jumps, quick turns, wooden platforms and more for advanced riders.

The eight mountain biking trails at Chewacla State Park are:

• Camp Trail (1 mile)
• Lakeside Connector Trail (0.5 mile)
• Ranger’s Dell Trail (0.6 mile)
• Falls View Trail
• Creek View Trail (1.3 miles)
• CCC Trail (3.0 miles)
• For Pete’s Sake Trail (8 miles)
• Norba National Trail

Learn more about mountain biking at Chewacla State Park.

Chewacla State Park: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL 36830

Learn more about what Auburn and Opelika have to offer

To learn more about everything Auburn and Opelika have to offer and for help planning your visit, check out the Auburn-Opelika Tourism website. You’ll find information on upcoming events, places to eat, where to stay, must-see attractions and much more.

Planning to visit Auburn and Opelika soon? Tag us @bhamnow to share your pictures!

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