Community center gym proves popular
City’s South Cape facility offers an abundance of activities, programs and classes
The South Cape Community Center, a full-size air-conditioned gymnasium open to the public for an assortment of events, classes and programs, is seeing use, thanks to a lease arrangement between the city of Cape Coral and a local church.
“The community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” said city spokesperson Kaitlyn Mullen. “Residents enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day, from morning fitness and dance classes to afternoon pickleball and evening youth athletic programs like volleyball. There’s a lot of enthusiasm for the new opportunities at the South Cape Community Center, and people appreciate the chance to stay active and connect with others.”
The center on the grounds of Faith Presbyterian Church, is a 17,400-square-foot facility offering indoor basketball, volleyball, pickleball courts and an event room for up to 400 guests.
There are social, recreational, and educational opportunities available. Events and classes include health and fitness, dance and music programs, crafty workshops and lunch and learns.
Mullen said they have hosted events such as the Holiday for Heroes and Lee Health holiday gatherings.
“We’re also working to expand our offerings with more socials and community events for all ages,” she said.
Mullen said the South Cape Community Center recently welcomed a highly experienced senior recreation specialist to enhance and expand community programming.
“We’re excited to launch a new summer camp that blends recreation with STEM activities. Additionally, we’re introducing various new programs focused on education, development, and recreation for all ages. The center is also home to the Fun-Mobile, a mobile recreation van,” she said.
March classes include balance, strength, and stretch; circuit; glutes and abs; line dancing; singing bowls; full body bootcamp Saturdays; yoga, Zumba and Zumba toning.
A fitness card is offered for $50 for 10 classes, or $100 for 20 classes. Individuals can also pay $5 per class, or $5 for a drop in.
The center also offers open gym hours from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday for basketball, cardio walking, and fitness exercises.
Intro to pickleball is offered on the first Monday of each month at noon. The free introduction shares information about the rules, scoring and movements through verbal instruction.
A beginner’s clinic is offered on alternating Mondays at noon. It is $20 per person for a minimum of three participants and maximum of eight participants.
Individuals can also book a court from 3 to 6 p.m. for $20 per court for two to five people. Open pickleball is also offered from noon to 3 p.m. for $5 per person, per hour.
The center also offers Friendship Center Dining Program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone 60 years old and older can attend. For a $3 donation, a hot meal is provided in a clean, safe, and friendly environment. Those who are not able to pay can still enjoy a meal.
Members of the community can also rent the facility, as it offers a 20-seat theater, kitchen, banquet area, conference room with A/V capabilities, as well as classroom space.
“We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance to allow time for processing the rental agreement, insurance and required permission,” Mullen said. “The rental form must be completed, and a deposit must be paid in full to secure a reservation.”
There are various fees associated with the classroom, kitchen, banquet room, conference room ranging from $30 an hour to $50 an hour and the event main room ranging from $750 to $1,250 depending on the people and day.
The South Cape Community Center is at 4544 Coronado Parkway. For more information, visit