The Warren Town Council unanimously approved a petition from Jeff Brown, a Barrington yoga instructor, to conduct free weekly classes on the Town Beach each Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Brown told the Council that the idea to offer free yoga classes began at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they ultimately landed on Police Cove Park as the spot to set up in Barrington. The classes turned out to be a big hit, as the lessons are open to all age groups and skill levels.

“It was about community. Let’s do something,” he said. “That was really part of the spirit of hosting these free yoga classes for the public. It’s all levels and all ages. We had a couple show up that were probably pushing 90 years of age.”

Brown said that, historically, the Town Beach had been used for free yoga classes by Paula Anderson, whose “Shrine Hair & Yoga” studio operated for many years in town. Back then, Anderson provided a free “Yoga by the Sea” program each Sunday at the Town Beach, which proved popular enough to be voted as the Best Free Experience in the 2018 edition of Rhode Island Monthly’s “Best of Rhode Island” awards.

“When he approached me about the idea of bringing yoga back to the park, it made my heart smile,” wrote Anderson in a correspondence to the Parks and Recreation Department advocating for Brown’s petition. “I am hoping you will find that he is a mature professional, suitable to carry on a tradition and provide a wonderful yoga experience to all who choose to participate.”

Brown said that the peaceful atmosphere at Warren's Town Beach is one perfectly conducive to enjoying yoga.

“There is obviously a reputation from Barrington about being a bit on the exclusive side, and that is the exact opposite of what yoga is about,” he said.

The only concerns the Council had were in regards to whether or not the classes would consume too many parking spaces, but Parks and Recreation Director Tara Thibaudeau assured them that since the beach doesn’t open until after the classes conclude, it shouldn’t be an issue. The Council approved the conditions contingent on Brown’s insurance policy being reviewed by the Town Solicitor.