wellness
Waco Opens Summer Group Fitness Classes at City Facilities
Waco residents can sign up for council-run group fitness sessions at multiple city sites this summer.
How we reported this
The City of Waco launched expanded group exercise classes at its Parks and Recreation facilities on July 1.
Summer heat pushes more people indoors for structured workouts. Local wellness programs have grown steadily since 2024, with residents seeking affordable options that fit around work and family schedules. Council facilities offer consistent schedules without the membership fees common at private gyms.
Key sites and class options
Two main locations anchor the program. The Doris Miller Community Center on Baylor Avenue runs morning yoga and evening Zumba sessions for adults. The East Waco Recreation Center on Elm Street hosts strength circuits and senior balance classes three times each week. Both sites operate under the same city registration system and share instructors trained through the Parks Department.
Classes run in 45-minute blocks. Morning slots start at 6:30 a.m. at the East Waco site to accommodate shift workers. Evening options at Doris Miller begin at 6 p.m. and end by 7:15 p.m. Drop-in participants can arrive 15 minutes early to claim mats and weights.
Costs and participation numbers
Each session costs $7 for residents who register online through the city portal. Non-residents pay $9. Last fiscal year the Parks Department recorded 4,200 total attendances across all group classes, with the largest turnout in January and July. The current summer roster added 12 new time slots to handle demand.
Anyone interested should visit the Parks and Recreation page or call the main office at 254-750-5600 before July 15 to secure a spot. Walk-up space remains available at both centers on a first-come basis, though popular evening classes often fill within the first ten minutes.