News Flash
Recreation & Cultural Affairs News
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George C. Meyer Tennis Center Named 2025 USTA Alabama Park & Recreation Department of the Year. The City of Gulf Shores Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department is proud to announce that the George C. Meyer Tennis Center has been selected as the 2025 United States Tennis Association (USTA) Alabama Park and Recreation Department of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional commitment to promoting tennis and supporting the growth of the sport throughout Alabama.The USTA Alabama Awards Committee presents this award annually to a park or recreation department in the state that demonstrates significant contributions to tennis through USTA program engagement and community outreach. The George C. Meyer Tennis Center was chosen for its outstanding service, innovative programming, and ongoing support of USTA’s mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis for all.The George C. Meyer Tennis Center (located at 2049 W 2nd St. in Gulf Shores) features 12 hard courts and 6 clay courts and serves as a hub for tennis players of all ages and skill levels. The center offers year-round programming, lessons, tournaments, and community events, attracting both residents and visitors. Its commitment to excellence has made it a cornerstone of recreation in Gulf Shores and a model for public tennis facilities statewide.“We are incredibly proud to be recognized by USTA Alabama,” said Bernie Gilliam, Tennis and Pickleball Coordinator for the City of Gulf Shores. “Our goal has always been to make tennis welcoming and accessible for everyone. This award is a testament to our community’s enthusiasm and the dedication of our team to growing the game of tennis in Gulf Shores.”For more information about the George C. Meyer Tennis Center and its programs, please visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/tennis or contact the City of Gulf Shores Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department at 251.968.1431
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Celebrate Earth Day with Gulf Shores Recreation & Cultural Affairs!
The Gulf Shores Recreation & Cultural Affairs department invites the community to celebrate Earth Day with a series of engaging, educational, and wellness-focused events designed to inspire environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural beauty of our coastal home.
Kickoff Event: Storytime with Riviera Utilities - April 16Earth Day celebrations begin on April 16 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gulf Shores Public Library with a special Storytime in partnership with Riviera Utilities. This family-friendly program will introduce young readers to the importance of caring for our environment through interactive stories and activities.
Earth Day at the Library – April 22On Earth Day, April 22, the Gulf Shores Public Library will host a special presentation featuring Nickie Cobb, Urban Regional Extension Agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System of Alabama A&M University.
This engaging program, “Alabama’s Wonders and How We Can Help,” will highlight the natural beauty of our state and offer simple, impactful ways individuals can protect local ecosystems. Attendees can expect a mix of educational content and hands-on components, making it a program you won’t want to miss.
Earth Day Fest at Mo’s Landing - Aprill 22Also on April 22, join us at Mo’s Landing for Earth Day Fest, a day dedicated to community conservation and coastal wellness.
The day begins with sunrise yoga on the water, offering a peaceful start, surrounded by the lagoon's natural beauty. In the afternoon, the celebration continues with:
- Live music
- Eco-friendly vendors
- Hands-on activities and demonstrations
- Opportunities to learn about sustainable practices
This event brings together community members, local organizations, and environmental advocates for a meaningful and memorable Earth Day experience.
For more information on all Earth Day festivities and event details, visit us online at www.gulfshoresal.gov/earthday
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Easter Storytime at the Gulf Shores Public Library
Easter Storytime at the Gulf Shores Public Library
Celebrate spring with a fun and festive morning at the Gulf Shores Public Library! Join us on April 2 at 10:30 am for a special Easter Storytime. This seasonal program features a story, an egghunt, crafts, and a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. It’s a wonderful way for children to explore stories, creativity, and community in a playful holiday setting.For more details, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/rca ๐ฐ๐ท๐
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Gulf Shores Public Library Calendar & Newsletter
Stay Connected with the Library: Monthly Calendar & Newsletter
Discover everything happening at the Library with our monthly event calendar and newsletter! Each month, we highlight upcoming programs, classes, and community events for all ages. From storytimes and book clubs to technology workshops and special presentations, there’s always something new to explore.
Our monthly newsletter delivers the latest Library updates straight to your inbox, including featured resources, service announcements, and spotlights on new materials. It’s the easiest way to stay informed, get inspired, and make the most of what the Library has to offer.
Click here to check out this month’s calendar and newsletter to stay in the loop!
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City of Gulf Shores Youth Athletics team kicks off the Spring Youth Sports Season!
Spring Youth Sports Season Kicks Off with Community Celebration
The City of Gulf Shores celebrated the start of the 2026 Spring Youth Sports season with an exciting and memorable evening this past Friday. Families, athletes, coaches, and community members gathered for the annual Spring Sports Youth Kickoff event, marking the official beginning of this yearโs baseball, softball, and T-ball programs.
The event was made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Gulf Shores Youth Athletics team and supporting departmental staff. Their efforts helped create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for participants of all ages.
A special highlight of the night was a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by Serena, whose heartfelt rendition set a proud and inspiring tone for the evening.
With the season now underway, the excitement is building as young athletes prepare to hit the fields. The City looks forward to a fantastic season filled with teamwork, sportsmanship, and community spirit.
Hereโs to a great Spring Youth Sports season ahead!
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IRON MAN CHALLENGE
Push your limits and conquer the ultimate endurance test with our Iron Man Challenge, a 40โday fitness journey designed for all fitness levels. Participants will complete the full Iron Man triathlon distance between April 13 and May 22—at your own pace, on your own schedule.
There is no cost to enter, and everyone who completes the full challenge earns a challenge t-shirt!
Your mission (completed over 40 days):• 2.4โmile swim • 112โmile bike ride • 26.2โmile run or walk
For more information, visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/fitnessprograms.
Registration is open now: www.gulfshoresal.gov/recreationregistration
Whether you're looking for a new fitness goal, a motivating community challenge, or a chance to push yourself farther than ever before, the Iron Man Challenge is your opportunity. Start strong, finish proud—and earn rewards along the way!
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Gulf Shores Public Library Helping Hands: Crafting Comfort for Our Community
We are proud to celebrate a major milestone in our community service initiative, Helping Hands. The club has delivered its first baskets of handmade crocheted animals to the Gulf Shores Fire and Police Departments. These soft companions will now be kept in emergency vehicles, ready to offer comfort and a calming tactile distraction for children experiencing frightening moments such as fires, accidents, or other difficult situations.
Each crocheted animal represents the skill, time, and care of a local volunteer. By inviting community members to handcraft every item, the library is providing more than a donation—it is fostering connection, creativity, and a shared sense of purpose. Participants also have the opportunity to learn new skills, including crochet, while giving back to the community in a meaningful way.
The long-term goal of Helping Hands is to ensure every police and fire vehicle in Gulf Shores is stocked with these handmade companions. Once first responders are fully supplied, the club will turn its focus to new service projects addressing other local needs.
Big news for those who want to get involved: Here at the Gulf Shores Public Library continuing to welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or have always wanted to learn, you’re invited to join the effort. Together, we can turn yarn into comfort and help make Gulf Shores a more supportive place for everyone.
For more information and to learn how you can join Helping Hands today, stop by the Gulf Shores Public Library or call 251-968-1176.
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Cheering on Our Special Olympians!
Our community came together at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 2, to celebrate the power of determination, courage, and limitless potential of our local Special Olympians.Mayor Robert Craft and the City Council proudly honored Gulf Shores resident and Special Olympian Leighanne Landrum, who will represent our city on the national stage at the Special Olympics in Minnesota this June. ๐Leighanneโs dedication and spirit shines brightly, and she continues to inspire all of Gulf Shores with her incredible journey.We were also thrilled to recognize an outstanding group of local students who will compete in the Mobile-area Special Olympics this April.Please join us in congratulating (from left to right in group photo)๐ Roland Phillips๐ August Riddle๐ John Curtis Shotts๐ Landon Couture๐ Wesley Faulkenberry๐ Scarlett Hadley๐ Conner Pharo๐ Isaiah Perry๐ Krystof LeachTheir determination and positivity inspire our entire community. Best of luck to each of you โ weโre behind you every step of the way! -
Spring Market 2026 Coming Soon!
Get ready to spend a beautiful spring Saturday celebrating the food, heart and creativity of Gulf Shores! ๐The Junior City Council is hosting its Spring Market on Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Waterway Village, and we’d love for YOU to be part of it!Wander through a cheerful lineup of local makers, growers, artists, and bakers offering everything from fresh produce and handmade goods to unique art and sweet treats. Every booth highlights the incredible talent we have right here in Gulf Shores — and it's a great way to support our community!So mark your calendars, grab your family and friends, and come enjoy a spring morning filled with community spirit, sunshine, and local pride. ๐Click here to learn more about the 2026 Spring Market!๐๐ ๐๐๐ง’๐ญ ๐ฐ๐๐ข๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ซ๐. ๐๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐, ๐๐ง๐ฃ๐จ๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐จ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ซ'๐ฌ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ!๐