Recreation Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2024 09 23

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Recreation Advisory Board Minutes August 26, 2024 Page 2 of 5 plans to cancel Zoom classes. In addition, if all the Zoom attendees were to join the regular classes, the classes would be too crowded, and there could be parking and transportation issues. The technology for Zoom is in place, and it works. Nancy would like the Zoom classes to continue. Gabriela Martinez pointed out the mission statement on the wall of the meeting room, to "protect, preserve and enhance the quality of life in our community." She agreed with Nancy's points and added that the Recreation and Senior Center need to serve everyone in the community, including seniors and those with medical conditions. Zoom classes allow remote workers to participate in classes which they would otherwise not be able to attend. Cindy Kalman said that exercise classes are often too crowded already, and the addition of current Zoom participants would make this worse. Zoom classes are important for people who are working remotely, allowing them to participate. Zoom classes allow people with various health conditions to participate and stay well. John Webb stated that his Zoom yoga class is a tremendous resource. He appealed to the RAB to support the continuation of Zoom classes. The in -person classes are already quite full, and they will become unmanageable if more people join them. Zoom classes extend the reach of the classes. They also decrease the use of cars, which fits with the sustainability goals of the City. Susan Nedell recently moved back after recovery from the Marshall Fire. The Zoom classes helped her and others to feel a part of the community. The instructors are good at managing both platforms. The in -person classes are often full, with many more participants on Zoom. Zoom classes work well for people who work remotely. She urges the staff to reconsider discontinuing Zoom classes. Becky Knott said that she is a yoga teacher at the Rec Center. She has taught many of the same people for years. Class attendees have developed a sense of community. The Zoom platform works for people who would otherwise be unable to participate, including people with social anxiety, agoraphobia, hearing problems, and other disabilities. If Zoom participants were to come in person, the classes would be too full and uncomfortable. She added that it's not necessarily easier to teach with Zoom, but it's fulfilling to reach so many people. Judy Lawson: If Zoom classes are discontinued, the Rec Center will lose people who don't have the time to attend, due to transportation, work, or driving at night. Parents often need to be able to do a class at home, so that they don't need to hire a babysitter. The purpose of the Rec Center should be the physical and mental wellbeing of the community. She asks staff to allow the teachers who want to use Zoom to be able to continue.