Outdoor fitness instruction will see a return to Downing Park later this spring and into the summer. Last year, three different fitness programs were implemented at the park, which was free for both the general public and the City of Newburgh.

“We have a number of people interested in this, both from the public and of course fitness providers,” said City Manager Joseph Donat.

Last year, they offered yoga classes with Carol Scott, zumba classes with Maritza Calderon and pilates with Angela Paul-Gaito of APG Pilates. It has not yet been announced what fitness classes will be held this year. Like last year, all outdoor classes will be weather permitting and use COVID-19 protocols.

Additionally, the City of Newburgh applied for two grants from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Youth Development. The first grant that would allow for a 2021 youth soccer program, while the second would allow for a 2021 summer playground program.

“This summer we will use this for more engaged recreational physical activity for our younger neighbors here,” said Donat. “We will have more information on what those activities will look like in the next month or so.”