Free ‘Yoga in the Park’ starts in July

ROSEBURG, Ore. – Start your summer weekends in a state of bliss with “Yoga in the Park” beginning in July.

Roseburg Parks and Recreation -- along with Body Balance Yoga Center Director Alli Spooner and other instructors -- will sponsor free yoga sessions in a tranquil riverfront setting in Stewart Park. Yoga sessions will be held east of the band shell from 10 to 11 a.m. every Saturday from July 5 through Aug. 30.

Classes showcasing various styles and techniques will be taught by Spooner, who trained as a yoga instructor at Anand Prakash Ashram in India and the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy in Pennsylvania, and other local volunteer instructors.

Spooner actually started Roseburg’s summertime “Yoga in the Park” series in 2012 when she teamed up with then-Parks Coordinator Val Ligon, who now manages the Parks Program. Spooner later recruited other local yoga teachers who wanted to “share this amazing gift” with the community.

Spooner said she believes there’s no better place to experience the ancient practice of yoga than outside in nature.

“Since I believe -- and many of my colleagues believe -- that energy is so important -- being there with the energy of the grass, and the river, and the trees and the sky and the birds, and then focusing inward while being aware of the outside world is magical,” she said. “When I’m finished with the practice, I feel both relaxed and energized in the most holistic sense that I ever feel.”

Some who are drawn to Yoga in the Park prefer the natural setting to a formal yoga studio, which may seem intimidating, she said. Parks and Recreation Coordinator Tracy David said the free classes are suited to all levels of yoga practice.

“Even if you have never been to another yoga class (like me), it is easy to follow along. It’s a very laid-back vibe with a group of about 30 people, both men and women, spread out on the grass,” said David.

Please arrive a few minutes early to sign in and be ready to start at 10 a.m. Bring your own yoga mat or blanket and wear stretchy, comfortable clothing. Organizers recommend not eating or drinking for at least one hour before class.

Those who arrive early to sign in will be entered into a Thrive Umpqua-sponsored prize drawing held after each class. Don’t be surprised when you join dozens of others for the weekly practice.

“It’s grown so much over the years, it’s been really amazing,” Spooner said.

For more information, contact Roseburg Parks and Recreation at 541-492-6899 or tdavid@roseburgor.gov, check out the 2025 Roseburg Parks & Recreation Guide or visit Body Balance Yoga Center’s website.