Golden Triangle BID hosts "Public" Pilates in Farragut Square, Thursday evenings

Below I am reprinting a press release from the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District about their "Pilates in the Park" classes.

This is interesting for three reasons.  First, it's a demonstration of how commercial district revitalization initiatives engage in a wide range of "activation" activities to get patrons-residents-office workers involved and active in the district.

Second, it's an element of branding and repositioning.  It gets people talking, etc.

Third, it's an illustration of the use of "public parks" for recreational activities that aren't necessarily run by parks agencies (in this case, Farragut Square is a National Park Service installation), and can involve for profit interests, e.g., the instructors are likely professionals, even though the sponsoring organization is a nonprofit.  See the past blog entry "DC parks master  planning."

Today's Express has a nice piece by Vicky Hallett, "The Biggest Studio in DC," about the Yoga Hikes group, which takes people on hikes in parks and on trails and mixes in yoga.  That's the kind of thing that needs to be supported, not restricted.

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Free Classes in Farragut Square Park for One Hour on Thursdays

It’s time again for the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District’s Pilates in the Park classes. Grab your mat and head to Farragut Square Park, Connecticut Avenue and K Street NW, for free stretching and core strengthening classes on Thursdays through October 10th, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.


Certified instructors from Results Gym and the Yoga District will teach the hour-long exercise classes. The first three weeks will be traditional Pilates taught by instructors from Results Gym. The second half of the six-week classes will feature Yogalates with teachers from Yoga District.

The classes are free and open to the public. Participants only have to show up with their Pilates mats. No registration is required, but all participants must sign a waiver before attending their first class and should arrive 10 – 15 minutes early to grab a spot.

“Each year we have offered Pilates in the Park, the number of participants has increased,” said Leona Agouridis, executive director of the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District. “That’s evidence that area workers, visitors and residents appreciate this unique experience. The Golden Triangle is happy to provide this service and we hope people will continue to enjoy it.”