This petition calls for the Astoria Parks and Recreation Board to please reinstate the yoga and Zumba programs at the Astoria Recreation Center for the fall 2012 session and beyond. Both the yoga and Zumba classes boast consistent attendees and more participants than other exercise programs offered at the ARC. It is in the ARC’s best interest to continue both programs in order to retain current members, and to continue to yield consistent income for the Astoria Recreation Center. The yoga and Zumba programs are highly enjoyable and excellent methods in the attainment and maintenance of physical fitness. With the cancellation of these two programs, the ARC is displacing members of the Astoria community who pursue alternative exercise options. Yoga encourages the development of flexibility, strength and balance that is not achievable through swimming, boot camp or spinning. Zumba implements an intense aerobic exercise combined with expression through dance that is also not feasible through the aforementioned programs. The yoga and Zumba programs are highly enjoyable and excellent methods in the attainment and maintenance of physical fitness. We acknowledge the current success of both programs and the outstanding ability of its instructors, Tina Gilbert, Emily Schuerger and Becky Greer. We ask that the Astoria Parks and Recreation Board acknowledge its success as well and continue both programs. We, the undersigned, participants and supporters of the yoga and Zumba classes at the Astoria Recreation Center, respectfully request that the Astoria Parks and Recreation Board reinstate the yoga and Zumba programs for the fall 2012 session and beyond.

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