T-R FILE PHOTO Yoga in the Park, held in the 13th Street District near the “Echo” sculpture, returns for the fifth season in a row from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Sponsored by the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA and the 13th Street District, these yoga sessions, aimed at beginner and intermediate levels, offer a chance to unwind, spend time outdoors and socialize.

Yoga in the Park, held in the 13th Street District near the “Echo” sculpture, returns for the fifth season in a row from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Sponsored by the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA and the 13th Street District, these yoga sessions, aimed at beginner and intermediate levels, offer a chance to unwind, spend time outdoors and socialize.

This season, nine outdoor yoga sessions will be offered.

“We added two sessions from last year, and moved the time back an hour,” instructor Heidi Draisey said.

Draisey serves as the Y’s health and wellness coordinator and is a YogaFit certified teacher. She is also on the 13th Street District committee.

“This is a great opportunity for someone who has never tried yoga,” Draisey said. “The classes are free of charge and a good thing for mental, spiritual and physical health and to come and meet your neighbor.”

Five Y Certified YogaFit and Group Fitness instructors will trade off in leading the sessions. Raffles will be held at each session, offering yoga gear.

Sessions will take place every two weeks at 9 a.m on May 4 and 18; June 1,15 and 29; July 13 and 27; August 10 and 24.

Draisey said the yoga sessions are an example of the work the 13th Street District, now a 501(c)3 organization, has done for the enrichment of the district. She also pointed out that folks who avail themselves of the free yoga sessions can also enjoy the dining and shopping options in the district.

Kim Jass-Ramirez, financial development director at the Y, said the outdoor yoga sessions broaden the Y’s outreach.

“The Y isn’t just confined to the four walls of our building,” she said. “We also want people to go to the programs we supply to the community.”

While the yoga sessions are free, donations are accepted. Proceeds will go to the 13th Street District’s initiatives.

The sessions are geared towards those ages 14 and up. Youth ages 10-13 may come accompanied by an adult, whereas younger kids are discouraged from attending. Pets are also prohibited.

Attendees are encouraged to bring yoga mats or beach towels (a limited supply of mats will be available), strap or block and a water bottle. In case of inclement weather, call the YMCA-YWCA at 641-752-8658 after 8 a.m. the day of the event to see if it has been canceled.

For more information, contact Draisey at 641-752-8658, ext. 227 or heidi.draisey@ymca-ywca.org

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at

(641) 753-6611 or

sjordan@timesrepublican.com