Yoga brings hundreds together at Friendship Fountain

A Community-Building Journey Through Yoga

What began as a moment of inspiration on Easter Sunday in Spring 2024 quickly turned into a calling for Dawn Clapp — a mission to build community and foster a sense of belonging through yoga. Clapp, Studio Manager at Hot Spot Power Yoga in San Marco, had a vision while crossing the Main Street Bridge: “I looked over at Friendship Fountain and said, ‘I’m going to do yoga there.’” This simple idea sparked a movement that would bring hundreds together every month.

A lifelong Jacksonville resident, she felt a renewed sense of pride in seeing the city invest in its downtown spaces. “I love creating environments where people come together around something positive,” she said. “When we use our talents, resources, and passions to serve others, it inspires people to join in.” With the support of the Hot Spot Power Yoga team and a partnership with Jax Parks, that vision became reality. In June 2024, they hosted the first Yoga at the Friendship Fountain class, drawing 190 participants. Just one month later, attendance more than doubled to 450, and by August, nearly 600 people had gathered to practice under the open sky.

The Growth of an Event

“Each month, Yoga at the Fountain brings hundreds of people together for community and wellness. It’s truly an awesome sight to see so many participants spread all around the fountain sharing an experience in such a beautiful setting,” said Garrett Callis, Community Programs Manager for Jax Parks. According to Jax Parks, the event now averages around 400 attendees, with a peak of 575. Even in quieter months, like August, with 350 participants, the momentum and community spirit remain strong.

For Clapp, whose roots are in Jacksonville, Yoga at the fountain is "the thing" that brings the community together. “We are proud of our city, Jax. We are proud of each other for our perseverance. We see each other, and we see ourselves in each other. It's a truly beautiful human experience with downtown Jax and the bridges lit up surrounding us. Reminding us of the beauty and strength within us all, and the beauty and strength within our city as well. It's really special.”

Details About the Event

First Thursday Yoga at Friendship Fountain is a free, community-led, one-hour yoga class hosted on the first Thursday of each month. The class is led by instructors from Hot Spot Power Yoga and is open to all experience levels. During the spring and summer months, the class begins at 7 p.m. As the days get shorter in the fall, the start time shifts to 6 p.m., typically around October or November. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to settle in, as the class usually begins about 10 minutes after the hour. The session lasts approximately one hour and concludes just as the fountain's light and water show begins, offering a stunning view of the Main Street Bridge and the Jacksonville skyline as a backdrop to your final moments of relaxation.

The event takes place around the Friendship fountain located at 1015 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207. No experience is required, as the class is open to everyone — regardless of experience, age or fitness level. “Every month, we welcome first-time students, and children are welcome. Dogs are welcome,” Clapp said. The instructors at Hot Power Spot are experienced at teaching to all levels and demonstrate poses clearly, often modeling variations so participants have visual guidance. “We encourage modifications, rest when needed, and listening to your body — while also gently encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone.”

Attendance and Community Impact

It's been a little over a year since the first time yogis gathered around the Friendship Fountain to flow in community. Clapp says attendance has grown rapidly since the first event in June 2024, which drew 190 participants. Just a month later, that number more than doubled to 450, and by August, it had almost reached 600. According to Jax Parks, the event now averages around 400 attendees, with peak turnout hitting 575. In August 2025, the attendance was 350. Turnout can vary based on weather and season, but interest continues to grow thanks to word of mouth, social media, and local media support. With September’s event falling on 904 Day, organizers are hoping to break attendance records.

“Our goal is to reach 1,000 participants this month,” said event organizer Clapp. “We can’t do it alone — so we’re inviting everyone to show up and bring a friend.”

Instructors and Their Role

The event is sponsored by Hot Spot Power Yoga, which has a team of 51 instructors. The teaching schedule rotates monthly to give different instructors the chance to lead. Many of them volunteer regularly, and while the faces may change from month to month, the energy and community spirit remain consistent. According to Clapp, “it’s truly become something bigger than any one person.” Although the class is free for all attendees, Clapp wanted to recognize the teacher’s commitment and contribution. She arranged with the city to classify the instruction as a vendor service, allowing the teacher to be compensated $50 by the city "for their time and effort."

What to Bring and Why It Matters

Participants are encouraged to bring themselves, a towel, a yoga mat, a water bottle, and a friend. The event is meaningful to the community because it is free and accessible to anyone and everyone who would like to participate. The fountain specifically provides a beautiful center focus. As a Jacksonville Native, Clapp has seen the evolution of the fountain, from its closure to now being fully restored and a place for community gatherings.

“The fountain, once forgotten and then revitalized, reminds us of this beautiful gem that exists within our city and when our community comes together to move and breathe through hard poses, we too become revitalized. We become both physically and mentally stronger,” Clapp said.

Community Voices

Longtime friends for over 35 years, Donna Stoney and Kimberly Rivers sat front row to enjoy a yoga class together. “My first time doing yoga, I was like, 'Oh my God, I had no idea it was this intense!' Especially if you've never done it before. I was pretty tired when I left, but I'm back for my second time,” Stoney said with a laugh. “I don't really stretch, so I figured I'd come out for a little bit.” Stoney invited her friend Rivers to join her for her first-ever yoga experience. “I'm most excited just for the opportunity to do yoga,” Kimberly shared. “I don't think I've ever done it before!”

Other first-timers, like Lorelei Benson, were eager to join after being invited by her friend, Ashley Mark. “I'm looking forward to getting a good stretch. I really need it after all the work this week. My legs are killing me,” she said. “Usually, I just get out of bed and do a quick morning stretch, so I’m hoping to learn something new today that I can add to that routine,” she added. Meanwhile, regulars like Hugo Miranda haven’t missed a single class since the very first session. “I keep coming back because I believe in the vision,” he said. “Yoga is everything, it's one of the key ways to heal.” For Hugo, the most meaningful part is witnessing the collective healing that happens when people come together through yoga. He looks forward to each First Thursday Yoga — not just for the practice, but for the connections. After class, he often gathers a group for sushi, turning the evening into a full community experience.

Final Thoughts

If you're considering stepping out of your comfort zone and onto a yoga mat this first Thursday of the month, here’s Clapp’s advice: "Come as you are. Have fun. Be kind to yourself. You won’t master every pose in one class — or even in a lifetime. That’s not what it’s about." And bring a friend!