Wellness at Fairhaven’s Cushman Park Begins This Month

What used to be known as "Fitness in Cushman Park" now has a new name. "Wellness in Cushman Park" begins on Tuesday, June 17.

Free classes in yoga and Qigong will be held outdoors on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning at 8:30 a.m. and run for 20 weeks throughout the summer.

Jeff Costa and David Trauterman from Sangha New Bedford are the leaders of the program, and we spoke to them this week on Townsquare Sunday. 

"We've been doing these free classes at Cushman Park for 13 years, and we couldn't have done it without the participation of SouthCoast residents, and the local businesses who sponsor the program and help make it available to the public," Costa said "Without them, we wouldn't be here."

Get our free mobile app

Costa credited his friend Susan Grace from EncorEntertainment with encouraging him 14 years ago to start the program. He said the sponsor list continues to grow, with businesses from Westport to Mattapoisett.

Why the name change?

"This year, we realized it was time to reinvent this program," Costa said. "We want people to slow down a bit and care for each other in a kinder, more compassionate way, something a little deeper than just a fitness workout."

Trauterman will lead the yoga classes at Cushman Park.

"It feels like a big family when you get there," he said. "Even new people feel they're connected with a community that's fun and joyful."

What is Qigong (pronounced chee-gong)? Costa said Qigong classes will be held Friday morning at Cushman Park, led by Cristina Corrieri, a Yoga and Qigong instructor at Sangha.

Costa said Corrieri asked that classes be held outdoors, because Qigong is based on the cycle of the seasons, emphasizing wholeness, well-being and joy.

So bring your mat and perhaps a chair if you need extra support, plus some water, and enjoy free wellness classes again this summer.

Would you like your nonprofit or charitable organization featured on Townsquare Sunday? Please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.