Wellness Belongs to All of Us: Our Summer Impact
If you had told us at the start of the summer that we’d build a safe space for healing, movement, and joy right in the neighborhood I grew up in—for over 400 of you—we probably would have dropped our iced matchas in total disbelief.
Yet, here we are.
The 2026 Neighborhood Summer Wellness Series—supported by the Northwest Neighborhood Grant—has officially wrapped. As we trade our sunny park setups for cozy layers and cool autumn air, we wanted to take a minute to look back at everything we built together. Because let’s be real: this wasn't just a fitness series. It was a reclaiming of public space, a collective exhale, and removing the idea that wellness has to look a certain way, cost a fortune, or require an exclusive club membership.
By the Numbers: What We Built Together
Thanks to your energy, your early mornings, your rain-or-shine resilience, and the backing of the Northwest Neighborhood Grant, here is what our summer actually looked like:
400+ Unique Attendees: Neighbors, friends, strangers who became friends, and people of all backgrounds and bodies showing up for themselves.
46 Total Wellness Events: An entire season of consistency, showing up, and holding space.
3 Local Instructors Hired: Because true community care means investing directly in the local talent right here in our city (shoutout Saba, Imari and Mari!).
Park Activation: We took over the lesser-known, quiet, unoccupied areas of Upper Edgewater Park and turned them into vibrant, safe, inclusive healing grounds.
Breaking Down the Movement
Every body moves differently, which is why our calendar was designed to meet you wherever you were at:
20 Walking Clubs for low-pressure connection, deep conversations, and gentle waterfront strides.
10 Yoga Classes (including that unforgettable drizzly final flow!) for grounding and breathwork under the canopy.
9 Pilates Classes for building core strength and stability on the grass.
7 Mindful Movement Classes for intentional nervous system regulation and slow somatic healing.
Why This Matters
From day one, the mission of Self Love Club has been simple: non-gatekept, accessible wellness where healing and inclusivity come first.
Wellness shouldn't feel intimidating. It shouldn't require a hefty price tag or a pristine aesthetic. It should look like real people on yoga mats, conversation during walks, and feeling safe in their bodies. Activating those quiet corners of Edgewater Park proved that when you build an open, welcoming space, people will fill it.
What’s Next?
The seasons change, but the roots we’ve planted are here to stay. Every step, breath, and new connection this summer laid the foundation for an even more healed future—wellness belongs to all of us!
To everyone who rolled out a mat, walked a path, or cheered us on from afar: thank you. You are the heartbeat of this community.
Here’s to keeping wellness open to everyone.
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