As Earth Month draws to a close the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park’s (QEIIBP) and Bliss Yoga Cayman have completed its Yoga in the Park series. The three-part series aimed to provide a place for the community to focus on health and relaxation, while raising funds for the ongoing Children’s Garden project.
“Offering yoga in the beautiful setting of the Colour Garden lawn provided an ideal location for participants. With weekly participation growing up to 35 persons last Sunday (25th April), I was overcome with pride to see everyone enjoying the space we have here,” said John Lawrus, Botanic Park general manager.
"Being an Earth Month partner with Bliss Yoga Cayman has been an overwhelming success for all groups involved. Partnering with our local businesses and diversifying what we can offer to the public is key to everyone's growth during these challenging times,” he added.
Bliss Yoga Instructors took turns offering their expertise for three consecutive Sundays helping to bring balance to students both mentally and physically. Instructor Rachel Clark was excited to extend her studio’s reach by creating more accessibility for people who live out in the eastern districts, as well as to be outside experiencing nature at the Park.
"It feels so nourishing just to be here in the space, my breath was taken away because the Park is so lush and fragrant; there's just so much life here, you can hear the birds and see the butterflies and dragonflies and the Blue Iguana came out every time too!” she said.
Yoga in the Park participant Marzeta Bodden voiced the classes were another creative way to support the Park as sessions were operated on a “donation only” basis and participants offered up a gift of any amount on the day of their class.
“It’s always wonderful to be at the Botanic Park. We are really fortunate that we have this protected, loved and cared for space on the island, but to come out here to share a yoga experience with other people is really special. And the fact that the donated funds is going to a worthy cause, makes it all the better,” said Ms. Bodden.
"These funds go directly to the ongoing Children's Garden development. We are extremely grateful for the donation of the instructors, as well as the monies received from all the participants at the three classes at the park, and one at the Bliss Yoga location in George Town which totaled at CI$1,282.86 thus far,” said Mr. Lawrus welcoming the opportunity to discuss further potential fundraising initiatives with businesses.
Bliss Yoga Cayman is hosting one final Earth Month session this Friday 30th April at the Kimpton Seafire Beach Deck at 5:45 pm. To register email info@blissyogacayman.com, any donation will be accepted, and all are invited. Bliss offers several outdoor beach-side classes weekly and hopes to have the Botanic Park as a regular occurrence on their fall schedule.
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is open daily from 9:00 am with last entry at 4:00 pm, general admission is CI$5.00, (children under 12 are free). Please call 947-9462 to book a guided tour or email manager@botanic-park.ky for information on how you or your company can donate to the Children’s Garden Development.