Stop Apex From Confiscating the Beloved Yoga in the Park Program

Shanti McLinden has run a Yoga In The Park program for the past 6 years. A program she created in her hometown of Arvada, CO that has gathered a strong, consistent, and loyal following.

10 days prior to the launch of the Yoga In The Park program this summer, Shanti received a call from the Apex Park and Recreation District (permitting agency for the city of Arvada parks). She was told she HAD to become an employee if she wanted to continue to run her program. The terms of the employment contract were not acceptable, considering Shanti started this program in 2012. The primary issues are signing over her program to Apex and minimal compensation for her work.

June and July were spent rejecting the demands, strong arm tactics, threats, and subversive behavior from this quasi-governmental agency that is trying to capitalize on her success and force her out of the very program she created.

Shanti has met with Arvada officials in attempts to reach a fair and reasonable resolution, to no avail. It appears Apex will allow the program to run this summer under the permit that was issued this past February, and an implied contract established in 2012.

Moving forward Shanti was told any requests for permitting will be denied in favor of Apex programming. They stated, "The District typically won't approve fitness activities in the parks unless it is for small groups under 4 or is something so niche we can't duplicate as a District."

After 10 years of teaching, it is truly disappointing for Shanti to be treated so poorly by the powers that be in her own community. It has always been her intention to offer affordable, accessible, organic Yoga to the people in her neighborhood.

Apex claims, via their website, "Our mission is to enhance the health of our community – socially, emotionally and physically – by being a gathering place and trusted resource for a variety of activities and programs that connect people and improve their quality of life."

Apex's words and behavior don't match.

Shanti needs your support. She is a small business owner, single Mom, fellow community member and Yogi with deep convictions in Yogic Philosophy - Do no harm.

Please sign and share this petition so Shanti can continue to run her valued Yoga in the Park program.

Any effort and energy towards her plight is truly appreciated.