MAGIC ISLAND MORNING YOGA RETURNS FOR ITS 18TH YEAR

(Charleston, W. Va.) – The City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Department announced the return of Magic Island Morning Yoga led by instructor Debora Mattingly, RYT accompanied by Paula Bickham. Celebrating its 18th year, the free summer event series invites residents and visitors of all ages and skill levels to start their mornings with movements, mindfulness, and riverfront views at Magic Island along the Kanawha River.  

Classes begin Tuesday, June 2, 2026 and will be held every Tuesday in June and July from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. at Magic Island (101 Kanawha Boulevard), weather permitting. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water, and comfortable clothes. Due to early morning dew, attendees may also want to bring a towel or blanket to place beneath their mat.  

“Magic Island Morning Yoga has become one of those summer traditions people look forward to year after year,” said Dax Miller, Director of the City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Department. “There’s something special about gathering along the river early in the morning, moving together, and starting the day in a positive way. It’s welcoming, relaxing, and a great reminder of how our parks can bring people together.”

For more information, please call the City of Charleston Parks and Recreation Department at 304.348.6860 or check out the Department’s Facebook page. 

Facebook Event Series: https://www.facebook.com/share/18YFawCt5Y/   

Bio: Debora Mattingly PT, RYT
Debora Mattingly is a physical therapist and Registered Yoga Teacher. She completed her 200- hour yoga training through Integrative Yoga Therapy in 2003. Her specialty trainings include Yoga for the Special Needs Child, Yoga for Teens, Yoga Ed, Adapting Yoga for Disability, and Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Debora’s passion is introducing yoga to all populations. She has had the privilege of leading outdoor summer yoga classes on Magic Island for the last 17 years. Debora recently retired from Advanced Physical Therapy, where she taught a chair yoga class.

Bio: Paula Bickham
Paula Bickham has a life-long musical life beginning as a child. Piano, singing, guitar, and marching band cymbals came early. In 1991, at a party in central West Virginia, she met up with the conga drums...finally. From that moment she took a deep dive into drumming and never looked back. She learned from many excellent teachers, met wonderful people along the path, facilitated drum circles, used it in classrooms and applied it to therapy. Paula has accompanied African and Modern dance classes in the past and is delighted to accompany Debora Mattingly and the yoginis as the sun rises on Magic Island.