Dear Editor:
These are tough days – that’s something we can all agree upon.
Something that’s been easing the burden is a simple one: yoga classes in the park. It’s easy to socially distance and stay safe, it’s great for our mental and physical health, it supports struggling small businesses, and it builds a vital sense of community. These are issues our society has been grappling with due to the pandemic. This seems like at least one easy solution and something Centre Wellington Township should be championing.
Instead, as of two weeks ago, they are throwing red tape at our little piece of COVID solace. With no reasoning other than wanting to “get the parks under [their] care and control,” the officials have let our yoga group – and every other “public-facing” business – know that it is illegal to safely gather for a class in a community park. Illegal that is, unless we take upon the difficulty, time and expense of obtaining a class-by-class permit for the handful of our remaining summer weeks.
I am a senior, as many members of my yoga group also identify. My teachers come from small, vulnerable, local businesses. As a group, we’ve been hit particularly hard during the pandemic. What necessity drives officials to complicate not only this source of local economic stimulus, but also the betterment of our minds, hearts and bodies? There must be another alternative.
Maybe my time spent supporting my local economy and community-building would be better allocated to protesting outside our town hall, with a sign that reads, “Is yoga a crime?” I hope not, but maybe that’s all they’ve left us with.
Your move, Centre Wellington. Do you take this easy opportunity to prop up your local community, or do you shut it down when we need it the most?
Randi Vann,
Elora