I am a resident of Palm Beach County, Florida, and a passionate practitioner and teacher of Tai Chi & Qigong. Our group meet on Saturday mornings in the Memorial Park, across from Governor Lawson Chiles Park in Delray Beach, Fl. Recently, my group and I were asked to migrate our Tai Chi practice to another park, because the Health Care District of Palm Beach wants to offer their Tai Chi program. There's no conflict of space nor time, they simply do not want other Tai Chi groups in the same park. This act has disrupted our peaceful practice on Saturday mornings, and we all believe it is unfair. We've been practicing Tai Chi in this park for several years, a public facility here in the United States.  We were here before and during COVID-19, doing our Chi Meditation exercises and staying healthy during that time. We all share a very strong affinity with the good nature in this park. We smile at the trees and absorb the Earthly energy from the bottom of our feet. We are deeply rooted with the Earth's and the Heavenly Chi in this park. The Energy does not want us to leave, and neither do we. 

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that promotes balance and flexibility while reducing stress. It requires no equipment or structures that could potentially damage the park's environment. We always have to clean the space before using, due to lack of maintenance and people not picking up after their pets. We are there to harmonize with nature and to practice self-awareness & higher consciousness in our environment.

We are not asking for exclusive rights to this park but simply the freedom to practice our chosen form of exercise in peace without being displaced unfairly. We use the space for 1-1/2 hours on Saturday mornings, starting at 9:30 am. 

We urge local authorities in Palm Beach County / Delray Beach, FL to reconsider their stance on this issue and allow us - along with other groups who engage in similar activities - access to public parks for practicing their favorite exercises outdoors.

If we the people cannot co-exist harmoniously in a simple park, how is it possible to do so in our country and in the world?

Please sign this petition if you believe in fairness and equal rights to share space within a public park.

Thank you and Heavenly Chi to all.

Sifu ( Teacher) Gary Tong.