 Waco officially broke ground on Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park on Saturday, October 4. Thank you to everyone who came to kick off the construction for the new park.
The $25 million investment will reimagine 30 acres of land along Clay Avenue (near the former Floyd Casey Stadium). Once complete in fall 2026, the park will be a destination where people of all abilities can play and gather, featuring inclusive playgrounds, sports courts, an all-wheels track, a great lawn, and more!
Alice Martinez Rodriguez Park is a legacy project that honors former Councilmember Alice Rodriguez, other local Hispanic leaders, and Hispanic heritage.
 The experiment is complete, and the results are electric! Meet Captain Atom, the official Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center mascot. Captain Atom, our Waco STEAMbot is more than just a character—he’s the spirited guide and mentor of Waco’s future STEAM Center, embodying curiosity, exploration, and innovation. With one foot in science and the other in imagination, Captain Atom's mission is to ignite a love of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math in learners of all ages.
 The Bledsoe-Miller Community Center is being renovated on the banks of the Brazos River. Soon, the STEAM Center will be a thriving center for science, technology, engineering, math, and cultural arts. We are creating a place where the entire community and people of all ages can work, play, and learn in a space dedicated to their advancement. 🚀 Opening January 2026!
 On Tuesday, October 7, the City of Waco and Waco ISD officially reached an agreement for a $32.2 million land deal to purchase the former Indian Springs Middle School property. The purchase will open the way for construction of the Barron's Branch District in 2026 and planning for a future Ballpark District as part of the larger downtown redevelopment project.
Under the proposed purchase and sale agreement, the City of Waco is purchasing approximately 22.8 acres of property located at 500 N. University Parks Drive and 324 Jefferson Ave. The City of Waco expects to close on the property by November 14, 2025.
 On October 1, Waco Regional Airport started a new paid parking program. This is a step toward greater self-sufficiency and to align with other modern airports.
- The rate will be $5 per day with a weekly cap of $25.
- Start or extend your parking session from your phone with the ParkMobile app.
- A two-hour parking area is available at no charge for passenger pickup and drop-off.
The new parking fee will allow Waco Regional Airport to continue making improvements and provide the best possible service for all Waco passengers flying in and out.
 This September, Waco-McLennan County Library welcomed 840 new borrowers and helped our community save $15,760 through overdue, lost book, and replacement card forgiveness. More people are enjoying library services with ease! Join us all year long for fun programs for all ages and the latest popular reads.
 Did you know? If the City of Waco picks up your trash and recycling, we can also pick up your bulky waste at no additional cost. Up to once a month, you can bring out your mattresses, couches, or other large items to your curb, and we'll carry it out for you.
- Submit a request on the Curbside Services app, at waco-texas.com/solidwaste or call (254) 299-2489.
- Place your 6x6x6-feet bulky waste pile at the curb and make sure it's clear from any objects like your mailbox or vehicles.
 Roughly two-thirds of residential fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with non-working smoke alarms. The Waco Fire Department, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is available to install free smoke alarms in the Waco community.
To ensure your home is protected, remember to install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside all sleeping areas. You should test your alarms monthly by pressing the test button. It's also important to replace batteries once a year and to replace the entire smoke alarm unit every ten years.
 Last year, Amy Sassatelli, a dear friend to the City of Waco and Pet Circle Waco, lost her husband, Tom Sassatelli. In his honor, she donated 50 brand-new Kuranda beds to our pups here at Pet Circle Regional Animal Center! Our kennel dogs can be tough on their beds, but Kuranda beds hold up beautifully while our furry friends wait for their forever homes.
Thank you, Amy, for your kindness and for honoring your husband in such a special way.
If you are considering making a gift in honor or in memory of someone special, please call Pet Circle Regional Animal Center at (254) 750-1454 to learn how your generosity can make a lasting impact.
 Thanks to a donation from the Waco Mammoth Foundation, the Dig Shelter at the Waco Mammoth National Monument was open last weekend and will reopen this weekend during the federal shutdown. National Park Service employees will be onsite, and guided tours will also resume.
The nature trails, outdoor exhibits, the Welcome Center, and the gift shop remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with city staff offering educational activities, displays, and interactive discussions. Once the federal shutdown ends, the Dig Shelter will return to its regular operating schedule seven days a week during park hours.
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