Presenter proposes subsidized yoga pilot; commission to place item on March agenda

A community presenter proposed a pilot of two weekly yoga classes at the Depoe Bay Community Center — one chair yoga session and one mat session — and asked the Parks & Recreation Commission to consider using city funds to subsidize instruction. The presenter said the instructor group New Moon Yoga is ready to provide staff and equipment and proposed guaranteeing "$50 a class" to secure instructors.

The presenter provided a simple budget example: $50 per class for two classes a week over six months would be a worst-case parks budget cost of $2,400; charging a sliding scale ($5–$10) could reduce the subsidy and the city could cover any shortfall. "If we could guarantee people $50 a class, that would be sufficient to get it done," the presenter said. Staff noted insurance and waiver requirements need verification before classes begin.

Commissioners also discussed next steps and timing. Staff and the chair explained that the commission lacks a quorum today and cannot take formal action; "Any decisions can't be made until there's a quorum. That won't happen until the March 18 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting," the chair said. Staff offered to add the proposal to the March 18 agenda (or present a consensus summary to the city council at its March 3 meeting) so the program can proceed after necessary approvals and any insurance checks are completed.

The proposal asks the commission to authorize staff to promote the pilot via the city's website and social media, confirm insurance/waiver details, and define a sliding-scale fee. The commission did not vote; staff said the item will be added to upcoming agendas for formal action once a quorum is present.