The Oswestry community came together for an evening of movement, fresh air and positive energy as the first FREE Pilates in the Park session took place in the beautiful surroundings of Cae Glas Park.
Held on Tuesday 4th August, the free community event was organised by Chloe Yeomans, Artistic Director & Founder of Open Space Studios CIC, and welcomed people into the park to enjoy an outdoor Pilates session under sunny skies, with a fantastic turnout creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere.
The idea for the event began simply. With Chloe’s regular weekly Pilates classes taking a break for the summer holidays, she initially planned to meet with her postnatal Pilates group in the park.
However, the idea quickly grew into something much bigger – an opportunity to invite the wider Oswestry community to get moving, enjoy the outdoors and experience Pilates completely free of charge.
As a result, Chloe decided to organise a series of three free Pilates sessions at Cae Glas Park throughout August.
Having delivered a number of funded community events and projects over the years, Chloe said this particular initiative felt different. With funding opportunities becoming increasingly competitive and, in some cases, increasingly difficult to find, she decided not to wait for financial backing and instead give her own time to make the sessions happen.
There are no sponsors and no large funding pot behind the initiative – simply a desire to encourage people to come together, get active and make use of one of Oswestry’s most beautiful green spaces.
The response to the first session made the effort worthwhile, with the park filled with movement, laughter and a wonderful sense of community.
Following the success of the first event, there are still two opportunities to take part this summer.
Mummy & Me Pilates in the Park
Tuesday 18th August at 10am
Pilates in the Park
Tuesday 25th August at 6.15pm
Both sessions will take place at Cae Glas Park, Oswestry, and are completely FREE to attend.
Chloe is encouraging people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to give it a try, stressing that no previous Pilates experience is necessary.
Chloe said: “My biggest message is simply: come. You don’t need to be ‘good’ at Pilates. You don’t need fancy activewear or an expensive mat, and you don’t need to know anybody else who is going.
“Just come out, join us in the park and take a little bit of time for yourself.
“I would absolutely love to see the park swarming with people – different ages, different abilities and different walks of life – all moving together and making the most of one of the beautiful spaces we have right here in Oswestry.”
With two more free sessions still to come, the invitation is open to the whole community to get outside, get moving and enjoy Pilates together in the heart of Oswestry.
