To the Editor:
Why has the Barnacle State Park stopped offering its Yoga by the Sea class?
According to the “Friends” of the Barnacle Society, it is not making enough money. And yes, sometimes there are a dozen people, and sometimes just a couple.
But money is NOT the point here. The Barnacle is a beautiful gem in the heart of the Grove. As a state park, there is usually a mandate, or an incentive, to offer some kind of outdoor exercise that serves the public benefit. Dogs get more health benefits at the Barnacle than people.
The Barnacle can make money with their many other larger events. They can have yoga attendees (locals & visitors alike) pay our beloved instructor directly (Zelle, Venmo, etc.) so as not to need state parks staff handling money.
Many yoga attendees buy annual passes as well as pay daily fees, and they become aware of other events they can attend, so in fact, there is economic benefit to the state.
There is wildlife to see as well. Over the years of attending the class I have seen dolphins, owls, foxes, yellow-crowned night herons (that were regular visitors), GBHs, cardinals, hawks, pelicans and all manner of birds, and one time I even saw a coyote.
What is the real story here? Why has the Society ended our much-loved class? Please help bring back Yoga by the Sea, it is a nearly 20-year Grove treasure and we would like to see it return and be offered again. Thank you.
Melinda Hoder
Coconut Grove
