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Parks commission approves 2026 "Yoga in the Park" program; funding to go to City Council
Summary
Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission voted 3-2 to continue the free Yoga in the Park program for 2026 with a $3,000 allocation to be forwarded to City Council for approval. Commissioners and public speakers debated duplication with Desert Recreation District services and weekend access for residents.
The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission on Oct. 6 approved the 2026 Yoga in the Park program and directed staff to forward the funding allocation to City Council for final approval. The motion passed 3-2.
The program as presented schedules two weekly classes for 10 weeks, running Jan. 27–March 31: gentle yoga, 8:30–9:30 a.m., and power yoga, 10–11 a.m., totaling 20 classes. The program cost is listed at $2,900 plus $100 for incidentals; the commission-approved allocation for the program is $3,000.
Commission debate centered on access and duplication. Vice Chair Bishu, who sponsored the program, said the amphitheater series has been a “popular event” across multiple seasons and described the dates, class types and budget. Commissioner Herrera opposed the allocation, arguing that Measure W assigns recreation funding to the Desert Recreation District and that using the PACE small-events budget duplicates services already paid for through the district contract. Public speakers offered competing views: Eileen Lynch, executive director of Parkinson’s Resource Organization, described how the free amphitheater event connected residents and community organizations; Sunshine Herrera urged the commission to “scrap the $3,000 allocation” and coordinate with DRD to avoid duplicate spending; a former commissioner, Gary Marshall, said the free nature of the amphitheater classes draws participants who would otherwise not attend paid classes and urged continuation.
Vice Chair Bishu moved the item; Commissioner McCollum seconded. The clerk announced the motion carried, 3-2; Commissioner Herrera vocalized her vote as “nay.” The commission chair and staff clarified that the program approval by PACE is a policy decision but the expenditure must be approved by City Council at a subsequent meeting. Staff will place the item on the next available City Council agenda and will report back to PACE after council action.
Commissioners discussed continuing to seek weekend and rotating-park options to increase access for residents who work weekdays. Commissioners and staff noted logistical constraints (stage/platform and sound at alternate parks) but said staff and DRD are exploring options.
The commission also agreed to pursue further discussion of weekend alternatives and report back; no implementation steps or contracts were finalized at the Oct. 6 meeting.
