Andalusia Department of Leisure Services

Andalusia Department of Leisure Services This page was created to keep parents and players that participate in Youth Sports programs updated on our Department activities.

The Andalusia Department of Leisure Services was created by City Council action effective January 1, 1973. Luther Brown was hired as the first director, and charged with oversight of the already established youth baseball programs, the pool and summer playground activities, and a new youth football program. He immediately began adding additional activities for youth and adults alike. Initially, th

e department was responsible for the scheduling and light maintenance of 2 swimming pools, 2 recreation centers, 7 ball fields, and 1 playground area. The department staff at that time was made up of the director, 1 maintenance employee, and 16 summer employees. Over the last 38 years, tremendous changes have taken place within this department. These changes have included the expansion of programs which now provide activities for all of our citizens, an expansion of facilities to accommodate the new activities, and additional staff has been added to aid in the administration of this department. With huge city construction and renovation projects in store for this department, we hope to open a whole new array of options to the citizens of Andalusia. With the changing times and new technology, our department strives to do everything possible to be at the for-front of expanding into new and inventive programs. Today, we provide a broad range of services to other City Departments, Quasi Governmental Agencies, and community based non-profit organizations. The Andalusia Department of Leisure Services touches almost every citizen through our many different services. We have and will continue to provide for the public to the best of our abilities, in the most professional manner possible.

New LED lights are currently being installed on the baseball/softball and soccer fields at the Kiwanis Center. The proje...
08/27/2026

New LED lights are currently being installed on the baseball/softball and soccer fields at the Kiwanis Center. The project should be completed next week.

Did you know we work with the The Yoga Club Andalusia to offer free yoga classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at t...
08/27/2026

Did you know we work with the The Yoga Club Andalusia to offer free yoga classes on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Coleman Center? If you're interested in trying yoga, check the class schedule for a time that works for you.

REMINDER: Volleyball ability ratings are tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25, at 6 p.m. at Johnson Park.
08/24/2026

REMINDER: Volleyball ability ratings are tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25, at 6 p.m. at Johnson Park.

We're up to 475 STUDENTS registered for soccer this year, and we're going to need more coaches. Here's an opportunity to...
08/19/2026

We're up to 475 STUDENTS registered for soccer this year, and we're going to need more coaches. Here's an opportunity to learn more about the game, this Saturday at 10:30 at the Kiwanis Fields. Call or text Greg at 334-764-5779 to register.

Reminder! Volleyball registration continues.
08/18/2026

Reminder! Volleyball registration continues.

Reminder! Soccer ability ratings are set for 6 p.m. this Thursday, August 20, at the Kiwanis Center fields.
08/18/2026

Reminder! Soccer ability ratings are set for 6 p.m. this Thursday, August 20, at the Kiwanis Center fields.

With record numbers of students registered for soccer this year, we're going to need more coaches. Here's an opportunity...
08/17/2026

With record numbers of students registered for soccer this year, we're going to need more coaches. Here's an opportunity to learn more about the game, this Saturday at 10:30 at the Kiwanis Fields. Call or text Greg at 334-764-5779 to register.

THORNE NAMED PARKS AND REC DIRECTORRick Thorne has been named director of parks and recreation for the City of Andalusia...
08/14/2026

THORNE NAMED PARKS AND REC DIRECTOR

Rick Thorne has been named director of parks and recreation for the City of Andalusia, Mayor Earl Johnson announced Friday.

Thorne currently serves as programs coordinator for the City of Eufaula’s parks and recreation program.

During his five years with that program, he created Kayak Eufaula, a program managed by the recreation department which offers guided and solo kayak tours of Lake Eufaula.

Just this week, Guide to Alabama named Kayak Eufaula one of four “Best of Alabama” recreation places for 2026. Earlier this year, the City of Eufaula was honored with an Innovate Alabama Award for Leadership, recognizing the vision and dedication made through the Kayak Eufaula project. The Alabama Recreation and Parks Association named Kayak Eufaula innovative program of the year in 2025, its inaugural season.

“I was impressed with Rick’s enthusiasm for his work, his experience, and the creativity he showed in creating Kayak Eufaula,” Johnson said. “The experience he brings to our department will make him a valued part of our team. I look forward to hearing his ideas as he moves to Andalusia and helps us move recreation forward in our city.”

Prior to joining Eufaula’s department, Thorne worked as parks supervisor for the City of Phenix City, where he managed more than 600 acres of recreational property, including five parks, seven lakes, four recreation centers, and a river walk. He also has worked as regional director of the Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Columbus, Ga., and also has served as a Baptist minister for more than 30 years, most recently as senior pastor of Cedar Hill Baptist Church. He also is a former United States Marine. He is a graduate of John Carroll High School, Liberty University and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary where he was degreed in pastoral counseling.

“What excites me most about this opportunity is the chance to build upon Andalusia’s commitment to providing outstanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors,” Thorne said. “I am passionate about developing programs and facilities that strengthen communities, promote healthy lifestyles and create memorable experiences for people of all ages.”

Thorne’s wife, Sarah, is a native of Andalusia and a graduate of Andalusia High School. They are the parents of three children and have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Thornes plan to make their home in Andalusia when he begins work on Sept. 14.

Congratulations to SKITUM, our competitive leave softball tournament champions, and Shawnanigans, who were runners-up.
08/10/2026

Congratulations to SKITUM, our competitive leave softball tournament champions, and Shawnanigans, who were runners-up.

For all the parents who've asked for a school-year Parks and Recreation calendar, here it is. As a reminder, soccer and ...
08/10/2026

For all the parents who've asked for a school-year Parks and Recreation calendar, here it is. As a reminder, soccer and volleyball registration are currently under way.

Address

706 Carson Street
Andalusia, AL
36420

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13342222714

Website

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