Wellness Open House Coming to Brincka Cross Gardens

Brincka-Cross-GardensBrincka Cross Gardens has undergone a good deal of change during the past year.

The property, located at 427 E. Furness Road in Pine Township, features a variety of plants and flowers that cannot be found anywhere else in Northwest Indiana. Porter County Parks and Recreation Horticulturalist Matt Brown has spent much of his time restoring the unique property.

All of the work has resulted in a setting that is ideal for a variety of programs, including classes centered on personal growth and development.

Porter County Parks and Recreation is offering one such program at Brincka Cross Gardens on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when a Mind Body Wellness Open House will be led by experienced yoga and meditation instructors Cynthia Smith and Kate Schlobohm.

The program is free and open to the public. It will offer an exploration into a variety of relaxation techniques, including gentle yoga stretching, energy balance, meditation and aroma therapy.

The home of former owners Bill Brincka and Basil Cross, which was inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, now serves as the gathering place for programs such as the Mind Body Wellness Open House.

Smith has been practicing yoga and meditation for more than 15 years and has been teaching for almost as long. She explained that Brincka Cross Gardens “is a ready-made environment for inspiring peace and calm.”

The moment you arrive, the space invites the visitor to take a deep breath and relax,” she said. “And the beautiful surroundings in any season are soothing to all of the senses.”

Schlobohm, who has been a yoga instructor for more than 10 years and also teaches various mind, body and wellness classes, said Brincka Gross Gardens offers the ideal setting for a wellness event.

This day is meant to be a sampling,” she said. “Participants will be able to have a brief experience with a few different types of activities meant to promote wellness in mind, body and spirit. People can try something new and, if they like it, sign up for a class to learn more about it.”

Participants should dress comfortably with easy slip-off shoes, and bring a yoga mat or towel. Light snacks and tea will be provided.

While the Mind Body Wellness Open House is free, registration is strongly encouraged. Call 219-465-3586 or e-mail goconnor@porterco.org to register.

About Porter County Parks and Recreation
The mission of the Porter County Parks and Recreation Board and Department is to preserve, protect and manage the natural, cultural and recreational resources within a diverse park system. For more information, call 219-465-3586, e-mail pcparks@porterco.org or visit www.portercountyparks.org.