Img 6740 Auburn, Auburn Retreat, Park, Park Opening, Playground — Ann Pearson Park held its Grand opening on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Earlier this week, the City of Auburn celebrated the grand opening of a new, natural retreat center: Ann Pearson Park.

The 46.9-acre addition to Auburn was made possible through a generous gift from Dr. Ann Pearson, an Auburn native who is remembered for her devotion to philanthropy + lifelong commitment to Auburn.

Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Location: 1420 Shelton Mill Rd, Auburn AL 36830

Keep reading to learn more about this park’s features + namesake!

Ann Pearson Park features

The Ann Pearson Park features two playground towers. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)
The sunsets are particularly beautiful at Ann Pearson Park. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)
The trails at Ann Pearson Park wind through the woods surrounding the natural retreat center. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)
Located close to the gravel parking lot is the restroom building. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

The park — engineered for the enjoyment of families, nature lovers + fitness enthusiasts — welcomes all members of the community to enjoy its facilities. Dogs are welcome, but are asked to either be leashed or under voice control.

Here’s a breakdown of what the retreat has to offer:

2.5 miles of shaded trails
A natural creek
A covered pavilion + restrooms
A playground with turf-safety surfacing
- Fit for ages 2-5 + 5-12
Open play meadows
Gravel parking lot

Ann Pearson’s legacy lives on

Img 6705 2 Auburn, Auburn Retreat, Park, Park Opening, Playground — Upon entering Ann Pearson Park, one will encounter the plague recognizing Pearson’s gift + legacy. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Although Pearson was born in Montgomery, Auburn was the city she was raised in + called home, until her passing in 2020.

In 1971, Pearson earned her PhD. in English-literature from Auburn University. She taught at Georgia Southwestern State University for a period of time before her return to Auburn University.

Here’s a few fun facts about Ann Pearson:

She penned movie reviews for the Opelika-Auburn News
Pearson published 3 crime novels, annual cat-themed Christmas stories for children
She was a founding member + supporter of the Lee County Humane Society
Pearson served as President of the Auburn Heritage Association + as a board member of the Lee County Historical Society
She donated the “Sunny Slope” house to Auburn University—now the home of Auburn University’s OLLI-Osher Lifelong Learning Institute