Staff Report
Parks and Community Events Commission
Item No. 3.G
Meeting Date: September 1, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Sponsors: Vice Chair Antonio Baciu and Chair Erin Hyland Title: Yoga in the Park 2027 Season
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend that the Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) approve the continuation of Tuesday Yoga in the Park classes at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater from January 26 through March 30, 2027; authorize an allocation of $3,100 from the PACE Small Events Budget; and forward the program and funding request to the City Council for final consideration and approval.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) is dedicated to promoting community engagement and enhancing awareness of the city’s park resources. As part of the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget, PACE was allocated $10,000 to support small- scale events in city parks. Funds may be used for services, materials, or a combination of both, with proposals reviewed and recommended by PACE before City Council consideration.
Over the past five fiscal years, the City Council has approved PACE’s recommendation for funding of the free community yoga classes at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater.
These classes, held on Tuesdays from January through March, have consistently drawn 50 to more than 100 participants per session and received positive community feedback.
DISCUSSION:
The 2027 Yoga in the Park program will continue its successful format of Tuesday morning classes at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, scheduled from January 26 through March 30, 2027, over a 10-week period.
Two classes will be offered each week, for a total of 20 classes:
Gentle Yoga Power Yoga
8:30 am – 9:30 am 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Instruction will be provided by Patti Wexler and Kim Funkey, both of whom have agreed to return for the 2027 season at the established rate.
The program budget is as follows:
Instructor Fees: $2,900
• 20 classes at $145 per class;
• Instructors will be compensated for classes cancelled by the city with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Incidentals and Outreach Materials:
$200
• Flyers and promotional materials
Total Funding Request: $3,100
This funding request represents the sixth year of this highly successful community program.
During the 2026 season, more than 1,500 participants attended classes over the 10-week period. Attendance records were broken twice, with a new high of 224 participants attending the two classes in a single day.
The continued success of this program demonstrates strong community demand and engagement. In addition to promoting health and wellness, the program highlights the City's Amphitheater as a premier public space and provides opportunities to promote other city programs and events to attendees.
The following programs have already been approved for funding from the Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 PACE Small Events Budget: Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume, Feliz Navi Dog Costume Event, and Free Movies for Kids Summer Program.
PACE Budget Summary
Annual Allocation Amount $10,000
Event Name Location Funding Request
Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Panorama Dog Park $500 (approved) Feliz Navi Dog Costume Esperanza Dog Park $500 (approved) Free Movies for Kids Summer Program Mary Pickford Theatre $1,100 (approved) Yoga in the Park 2027 Amphitheater $3,100
Remaining Available Budget $4,800
If approved as proposed, the remaining PACE Small Events budget for Fiscal Year 2026- 2027 will be $4,800. Given the program’s strong attendance and positive community response, continuing these classes represents a valuable use of PACE funds and supports the city's mission to provide recreational opportunities in its parks.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon PACE approval, the funding request will be forwarded to the City Council for final consideration and approval.
FUNDING SOURCE:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL LEDGER
ACCOUNT CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME
or
ONGOING
2026-2027 Yoga in the
Park 2027 100-500-510-511-8600-8601 MO3511 $3,100 One Time 2026-2027 Total $3,100