North Hempstead Permits Outdoor Fitness Classes In Town Parks

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NY — With gyms and fitness studios occupying an uncertain place in New York State's coronavirus reopening plan, fitness instructors will now be allowed to conduct outdoor classes at Town of North Hempstead parks, town officials announced.

In order to hold classes in town parks, fitness instructors will need to obtain a permit for $25 per hour. Each class may host up to 25 participants. Classes may be held during normal park hours between 8 a.m. and sunset, and all class participants must remain six feet apart and wear masks while not exercising, Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth and the Town Board announced.

“We are doing all that we can to provide local businesses with relief during these challenging times,” Bosworth said. “It is our hope that by allowing fitness classes to take place in our parks, it will relieve some of the burden on gyms and fitness studios due to the pandemic.”

Some local fitness studios around the county have already begun offering outdoor, distanced classes in their parking lots in order to adapt to statewide reopening guidelines.

And with this announcement, studios can expand their offerings to take place in parks. “With the continued mandate to keep small Pilates studios like ourselves closed, we are looking to add outdoor classes and utilize the beautiful spaces available in the parks,” said David Lo, co-owner of Club Pilates in New Hyde Park.

To apply for a permit, fitness instructors must call (516) 869-6311.