May 27, 2026

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Independent Health and YMCA Buffalo Niagara to offer 500 free classes at 22 parks this summer

BUFFALO, N.Y. (May 29, 2026) – Independent Health and YMCA Buffalo Niagara are celebrating the 15^thseason of Fitness in the Parks, the region’s largest free outdoor community wellness program designed to help people of all ages and abilities stay active all summer long.

Beginning June 1 and continuing through August 31, Fitness in the Parks will offer nearly 500 free classes at 22 parks across Western New York. Led by certified YMCA instructors, the program features 38 weekly classes with a wide variety of fitness options ranging from Bootcamp and Pilates to high-energy dance and strength-based workouts. No registration is required, parking is free, and participants can simply show up and join a class.

“For 15 years, Fitness in the Parks has helped remove barriers to wellness by bringing free fitness opportunities directly into communities across Western New York,” said Michelle Carbery, senior corporate wellness specialist at Independent Health and Fitness in the Parks instructor. “Whether someone is trying their very first class or continuing their fitness journey, the program creates a welcoming environment where everyone can move at their own pace, connect with others and enjoy being outdoors.”

To mark the program’s 15^th anniversary, this year’s lineup features 15 class styles designed for a variety of interests and fitness levels, including Bootcamp, Pilates, Yoga, Zumba, Tai Chi, Pound and strength-based workouts. New offerings for 2026 include Les Mills® BodyBalance, Les Mills® Dance and TurboKick.

Classes are open to all ages and skill levels. Participants will also receive free sunglasses courtesy of Independent Health, while supplies last.

This year’s 22 locations include parks in:

Amherst: Bassett Park, Garrison Park
Buffalo: Bidwell Park, Buffalo RiverWorks, Delaware Park, Larkin Square, Outer Harbor (Wilkeson Pointe)
Cheektowaga: Cheektowaga Town Park, Losson Park
Clarence: Clarence Town Park
Gasport: Royalton Ravine Park
Jamestown: Lucille Ball Memorial Park (Celoron Park)
Lancaster: Westwood Park
Lewiston: Academy Park
Lockport: Day Road Park, Goehle Marina (Widewaters Marina), Pendleton Park
Niagara Falls: Niagara University (Kiernan Recreation Center)
Olcott: Krull Park
Orchard Park: Chestnut Ridge Park
South Buffalo: Cazenovia Park
Tonawanda: Ellicott Creek Park

Day-of cancellations due to rain or poor weather will be posted on the YMCA Buffalo Niagara and Jamestown YMCA Facebook pages. For the full class schedule and descriptions, visit independenthealth.com/fitpark.