NORTH SMITHFIELD – Cheryl Marandola says that you don’t need to know what a downward facing dog is to enjoy a new outdoor yoga program that begins this Saturday.
Beginners are welcome to the free classes, to be held on the lawn in front of North Smithfield Town Hall at 83 Greene St. four times during the month of August.
The new program, sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, will kick off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 7. Participants are invited to show up with a towel, blanket or yoga mat, and practice yoga basics in the fresh outdoor air.
Marandola, a certified yoga instructor, is also the chairperson of the town’s Parks and Recreation Commission. She’s volunteered to teach the free classes as a trial run to see if residents have interest in the activity.
“The intent here is to test the waters,” Marandola told members of the Town Council this week. “It won’t cost the residents. It won’t cost the town.”
Councilor John Beauregard said he thinks it’s a great idea.
“You may not believe it but I do yoga. I think it’s great,” Beauregard said. “I will be there. It’s helped my back tremendously.”
Town Solicitor David Igliozzi confirmed that the activity is covered by the town’s insurance, and councilors unanimously approved the request to use town property.
Classes will be held Saturdays August 7 and 21 starting at 8 a.m., and Wednesdays August 11 and 25 starting at 6 p.m. The events will be cancelled in the case of rain or temperatures higher than 85 degrees.
Questions can be directed to Recreation Director Kate Pasquariello at kpasquariello@nsmithfieldri.org.
