Rec n Roll returns to Auburn parks for its fourth year
Published 11:45 am Friday, July 24, 2026
Some kids were laughing as they launched themselves down the slip and slide, some were playing games with their siblings and some were contently filling in coloring sheets. All attendees had one thing in common, they each had smiles on their faces.
Auburn’s Rec n Roll program has returned for its fourth year in a row and will run through Aug. 20. The mobile recreation program appears from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday at four different parks across Auburn.
Monday it is at Scootie Brown Park (1403 Henry Road NE), Tuesday at Lea Hill Park (124th Ave. SE and 316th Street SE), Wednesday at Terminal Park (1292 C St. SE) and Thursday at Sunset Park (1420 69th St. SE).
The Rec n Roll program began in 2022 with funding from the Summer Enrichment and Experience for Kids (SEEK) grant. The program has also received support from the King County Parks Levy grant. It is a recurring program that community members look forward to every year.
Staff from the city of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department lead free crafts, games, sports and other various activities.
Ashley Gain, of the Parks department, expressed the importance of free and accessible summer activity opportunities for kids.
“It helps eliminate cost and transportation barriers, while bringing a free, camp-like recreation structure to parks across the city,” she said. “Many of our Rec n Roll participants, who are all kids, do not have the means to attend a traditional summer camp and this program allows them the same opportunity and access to recreation as their peers.”
When Rec n Roll visited Lea Hill Park on July 21, staff had set up a slip and slide along with many water toys and games to combat the heat wave.
“Auburn is incredibly supportive and appreciative of parks programming,” Gain said. “It is remarkable to see how many new and returning kids we get out to our programs and the overwhelming amount of positive feedback we receive from parents and guardians.”
Additionally, all program sites align with Auburn School District’s Free Summer Lunch program, according to the city’s website. This way, Auburn kids are able to grab a free lunch and then enjoy fun activities, all in the same place.
Gain also explained the upcoming events that the Rec n Roll team is looking forward to this summer.
“We have a few upcoming partnerships as well,” she said. “Cycle Therapy, the King County Library, VRFA (Valley Regional Fire Authority), and the White River Valley Museum are all slotted into our schedule for special visits.”
