PARKS & RECREATION

We provide Central Texas with the chance to explore the great outdoors, enjoy an active life and join with neighbors at community events. To register for a program or rent a park facility, give us a call at (254) 750-5980!

VIRTUAL GROUNDBREAKING: SUSPENSION BRIDGE PROJECT

The City of Waco held a Virtual Groundbreaking on October 22, 2020 to commemorate the start of the Suspension Bridge Rehabilitation Project and the 150th anniversary of the bridge.

Watch a replay of the ceremony by clicking here.

ENTER OUR PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST

Click here to view the event flyer!

You're invited to enter your creatively decorated (not carved) pumpkin into our Pumpkin Decorating Contest. There is no cost to participate. Drop off your entry to the Bledsoe-Miller (300 N. M.L.K. Jr., Blvd.), Dewey (925 N. 9th St.) or South Waco (2815 Speight Ave.) Community Centers. Deadline to submit is Friday, Oct. 23.

Pumpkins will be on display at each community center from Oct. 24-30 for the public voting period. Please note that face coverings are required inside City of Waco facilities.

Winners will be announced October 30 on the Waco Parks and Recreation Facebook page. Prizes will be awarded for the best youth (5-13), teen (13-18) and adult (19+) entries at each center. You do not need to be present to win. Winners will be contacted individually with details on how to claim their prizes.

PUMPKIN DROP-OFF HOURS:

Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PARKS & RECREATION SERVICES UPDATE:

While parks and natural areas remain open for public use, we encourage our community to continue to practice social distancing guidelines and health protocals while enjoying the outdoors.

Please review the below list for the current status of park amenities, facilities and programs:

Face Coverings and/or Masks Required:

• With the new face covering/mask requirements throughout the City of Waco, we would like to remind everyone that these must also be worn while visiting facilities within the Parks and Recreation department and when it is not possible to keep six-foot distance in public spaces. Face coverings may include homemade masks, scarfs, bandanas or a handkerchief. For additional guidance on this policy, and other COVID-19 related updates from the City of Waco, click here.

Currently Open:

• Parks and Recreation Administration Office (201 W. Waco Dr.)
• Bledsoe-Miller, Dewey and South Waco Community Centers: Access to certain areas of the centers, along with the availability of community classes and meetings, may be limited as we continue to abide by health protocols from the Department of State Health Services.
• Cottonwood Creek Golf Course
• Cameron Park/Brazos Park East / Dewey Disc Golf Courses
• Sul Ross Skate Park 
• Playgrounds and Splashpads
• Park Amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, sport courts, fitness equipment
• Horseshoe Pits at Brazos Park East
• Waco Mammoth National Monument: The park is working to increase access in a phased approach. Trails, restrooms and picnic areas are open. Access to the dig shelter resumed for self-guided tours only on August 12, and standard fees apply.
• Parks and Recreation Athletics Office (3200 Clay Dr.)

Currently Limited or Closed:

• Pavilion and Facility Rentals: Please call for rental information.
• Permitted Events and Gatherings: Suspended until further notice.
• Harrison and Sul Ross Senior Centers

For information from the City of Waco regarding COVID-19 and how it may impact other city services, click here. We will continue to post any updates on our website and social media outlets. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Latest News & Events:

Greenwood Cemetery Ribbon Cutting:

The City of Waco held a Virtual Ribbon Cutting on Tuesday, September 15 to mark the completion of the renovation of Greenwood Cemetery. Watch a replay of the ceremony by clicking here.

Free Virtual Tutoring & Homework Program:

Need homework help? Bledsoe-Miller, Dewey and South Waco Community Centers are offering free, virtual tutoring via Zoom for students. Contact each center directly for information or to register.

• Bledsoe-Miller: Monday-Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., for grades K-6. Call (254) 750-8684.
• Dewey: Monday-Thursday, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., for grades K-6. Call (254) 750-8677.
• South Waco: Monday-Friday, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., for grades 1-12. Call (254) 750-8650.

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