City plans to expand yoga classes

With the newly incorporated Sunshine Yoga classes coming to an end this summer, Euclid’s Recreation Department is already planning to continue the program next year with instructor Christine McIntosh, perhaps even expanding the monthly events to weekly sessions.

“Possibly,” said recreation secretary Valerie Vento. “It all depends, but the program, held at Sims Park, was very successful. Christine does a wonderful job. This was just one example of our department branching out and looking for different things to do that would gain a bit of broader interest, to tip our toe in other options.

“We’re primarily sportsrelated, and it’s a little risky with so many other yoga offerings around, but for us, with the yoga classes at Sims, we wanted to keep things simple. Yoga can be expensive, that’s why we wanted to offer free classes to every person interested.”

This was the first year for Sunshine Yoga, Vento said, noting the entire endeavor, and having McIntosh instruct the classes,

evolved from a “bummer.”

“A former employee who had another job met a yoga instructor, and we we’re thinking of something nice to offer something in the summer months at Sims to showcase the lake. Unfortunately, the original instructor did not work out. But Christine had just finished her 200 hours in Hatha yoga (certification). So it ended up being a really good fit.

“Christine is a Euclid

resident, and she has a really good following,” said Vento. “And it’s definitely something we want to continue next year. We are trying to find her an indoor space to keep it going in the next coming months, too. We’re working on what would be a good spot for her.”

With lake levels being unpredictable, McIntosh readily keeps things moving at Sims, if need be, to the grass or to the fishing

pier.

“I think it’s nice for people to get out, meet other people, see the city and participate, even if you’re not that experienced with yoga,” said Vento. “There’s not lot of pressure, there’s no loss. It’s everything across the board. All you have to do is bring a water bottle, mat and an open mind and heart.”

McIntosh describes the community’s response to Sunshine Yoga, which has attracted as many as up to 70 participants, as overwhelming.

“They requested we start doing it weekly, actually,” she said, “that’s how that started. Attendance has been great, rain or shine. It’s been a cool experience. Everyone has been so appreciative of the entire program. I have accepted donations the past two weeks and through the generous support of the residents, we’ve raised $100 for the ACLU.

“I’m absolutely loving it. We’re trying to do a lot and make a lot of cool things to happen in this city. We also welcome people from other communities. It would be awesome to have it year around.”

“I think it’s nice for people to get out, meet other people, see the city and participate, even if you’re not that experienced with yoga.” — Recreation secretary Valerie Vento

SUBMITTED Euclid Recreation Department launched its Sunshine Yoga program this summer, drawing hundreds of participants of every experience level. The department is now considering conducting sessions on a weekly basis, and also throughout different seasons.