Mayor highlights youth programs, Yoga in the Park and library summer reading kickoff

The mayor used the update to spotlight city-run and community-run programs for youth and families in June and July.

Applications are open for the free Junior Police Academy for teens ages 14–17 (July 13–18). The mayor outlined activities — physical fitness training, mock traffic stops, defensive tactics and investigative techniques — and said applications are available at the Gardner Police Station and via the department's Facebook page. "There are limited spots so do apply soon," the mayor said.

The mayor also announced Yoga in the Park, a Monday-night summer series from June 1 through Aug. 31 (6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.) at Park Street Park between Greenwood Pool and the Elks Lodge; classes are donation-based with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits and participants should bring their own mats.

For family reading programs, the mayor congratulated Marita Clemens and library staff for preparing the Levi Haywood Memorial Library’s summer reading kickoff scheduled for June 24 at 4:00 p.m. on the library's front lawn.

The mayor provided practical participation guidance (application locations, limited capacity, donation-based classes) and asked residents to watch the city’s websites and social media for updates.