Worcester launches seventh season of ‘Fitness in the Park’ with Blue Cross sponsorship

Erin Quayle, the Built Environment coordinator with the Worcester Division of Public Health, announced the launch of the city’s seventh annual Fitness in the Park, an 11‑week series of free classes running June 15–Aug. 29 in parks across Worcester.

"This is officially the seventh year that we will be having fitness in the park within our city," Quayle said, noting the program is funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and runs in partnership with the YMCA and the YWCA. This year’s schedule will include 13 classes spread across 10 parks, she said, and the city is emphasizing accessibility for residents who lack regular access to gyms and other fitness resources.

The program aims to reduce barriers to physical activity, officials said. City Manager Eric Batista said the city wants to ‘‘create a space where people can get outside, get out in the nature, be able to exercise’’ and praised long‑standing partnerships that bring instructors and services into neighborhoods.

Commissioner of Health and Human Services Seema Dixit called the city’s investment in a built environment coordinator ‘‘a big investment’’ for public health and said she plans to attend classes. "Please help us spread the word," she said.

Representatives from local partners described program growth and outreach. A YWCA of Central Mass. representative said the organization is adding instructors and continuing to offer free opportunities for residents of all abilities. Brenda Jenkins of the YWCA highlighted inclusivity and family supports, saying the program helps bring together families, including children on the autism spectrum, for Zumba, yoga and other activities.

Heidi Fountain of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts said the insurer has sponsored the program since 2019 and emphasized the company’s mission to expand access to wellness. "We are committed to improving the health of our communities and advancing health justice by ensuring everyone, everyone has an opportunity to be healthy," she said.

Quayle closed the event by apologizing for a planned demonstration that was not held because of a miscommunication, thanking partners and attendees, and saying she looks forward to expanding the program in future summers.

Program details provided at the launch included: an 11‑week schedule, June 15–Aug. 29; 13 classes across 10 parks this year; and funding support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Quayle said that in 2025 the program delivered roughly 120 classes to more than 200 participants, with about half of attendees coming from ZIP codes 01609 and 01604 and about a fifth from the Main South neighborhood.

The Division of Public Health asked attendees and partners to help promote registration and turnout for the upcoming season.