Close Menu
Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

410-723-6397

OP recreation outdoor tai chi, Zumba classes

By Greg Ellison

(June 4, 2020) Looking to reintroduce outside activities within the parameters of pandemic health-safety mandates, the Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department on Tuesday launched weekly tai chi courses in White Horse Park, with Zumba classes kicking off next week.

Recreation and Parks Manager Debbie Donahue said while dates and times remain uncertain for reopening more than a half dozen playground facilities, the pair of size-restricted gatherings in White Horse Park provide an initial glimpse of a return to normalcy.

“The recreation department is anxiously awaiting Gov. Hogan’s message to raise the limited number of people gathering in one location above 10 so that we can open the outside facilities,” she said.

Because of  social distancing mandates limiting public gatherings to single-digit crowds, the classes are limited to nine preregistered participants.

Outdoor tai chi classes, which began this Tuesday, will be held weekly until July 21 at 9:30 a.m. under the pavilion in White Horse Park. The cost is $10 to take part in the hour-long course.

The instruction will focus on Shibashi, which consists of 18 separate Qigong exercises based on philosophy of tai chi.

The goal of Qigong is to promote movement of Qi (energy) internally through energy channels. Qigong is focused on cultivating the Qi, while Shibashi is intended to balance the energy force.

Next Wednesday in White Horse Park, outdoor Zumba classes are scheduled weekly at 8:30 a.m. beginning on June 10 through July 29.

Lasting 45 minutes, the cost is $40 for Ocean Pines residents and $45 for nonresidents. Class sizes are limited to nine people with pre-registration required.

Donahue said the discussions concerning reopening recreation facilities are taking place with General Manager John Viola, as well as with the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association.

The latest phased-in reopening plans unveiled by Gov. Larry Hogan last week permitted expanded outside activities included youth day camps and swimming pools beginning at 5 p.m. last Friday. Hogan also included stipulations for political subdivisions to work with area health department officials before opening public spaces such as parks, playgrounds and sports fields or courts.