It starts in our parks

By Ben Conant - Jul 5, 2011 | 0 comments

Michael Brown and Mary Kay Brown embrace the stretch.

Power chi instructor Jason Aziz shows students Michael Brown and Jessica Dennis, the programs coordinator, how it’s done.

These three are really getting into some serious moves.

Instructor Jason Aziz models proper form.

Jason Aziz instructs Jessica Dennis, Michael Brown, and Mary Kay Brown on some stretching techniques.

The sun blazed bright in White Park that Thursday afternoon. The strains of “Ave Maria” wafted across the park from a pair of portable speakers as a couple dog walkers strolled by, pooches in tow. This idyllic scene centered around a group of Concordians suited up in their finest Lycra, sweating, stretching and smiling. The group was taking part in the Concord Recreation Department's recent citywide initiative, “It Starts In Our Parks.”

Fitness professionals from around Concord are teaming with the the city's recreation department to present a series of free exercise classes taking place public parks. The classes, which are scheduled for each Thursday this summer, are open to all ages and meant to be accessible to citizens at all levels of fitness.

Similar community health initiatives are in place in many cities around the United States; Recreation Director David Gill got wind of them and adapted the idea for Concord.

“Our goal was to get people moving and get them out in the parks,” Gill said.

Concord's parks have already played host to several fitness sessions this summer, ranging from yoga to fitness walking to 'power chi,' an offshoot of tai chi designed to increase mind and body energy and strength. We caught up with Rec. Dept. Program Coordinator Jessica Dennis taking part in a power chi class on the aforementioned sunny Thursday.

“That was fun,” Dennis said, “but I was really unbalanced.” Dennis said she was happy with the amount of fitness professionals that got involved with the program.

“It's awesome that so many people are willing to volunteer their time,” Dennis said.

There are still 4 more of these free classes scheduled for the remainder of the summer. Tai chi, Zumba and power walking are all on the docket. Both Dennis and Gill seem confident that the program will not only carry over to next summer but possibly expand as well.

“I think the concept is successful,” Gill said. “I think this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding what we can do. Hopefully next year we'll have an even more robust program.”

It Starts In Our Parks
Summer Schedule
July 14: Fitness walking and Zumba in Rolfe Park, noon. Meet by the tennis court.
July 21: Fitness walking and Zumba in Rolfe Park,
5 p.m. Meet by the tennis court.
Aug. 11: Tai chi in Merrill Park, noon. Meet next to picnic shelter.
Aug. 11: Tai chi in Merrill Park, 5 p.m. Meet next to picnic shelter.
For more information, visit ci.concord.nh.us/recreation or call 225-8690.