How Eden Prairie’s Parkinson’s program builds strength and connection

Gary “Rosie” Rosen didn’t sit still after his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

He moved straight into the Parkinson’s wellness program at the Eden Prairie Community Center, determined not to let the disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination, define him. Before long, Rosen became more than just a participant; he was part of a community bound by determination, laughter, and hope.

At the Community Center, the 72-year-old Eden Prairie retiree goes by “Rosie” – a nickname his grandkids gave him. It stuck. And here, every step forward, no matter how small, felt like a victory.

“I’ll tell you, you’re talking to probably one of the biggest advocates for this program,” Rosen said. “I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago, but my doctor thinks I’ve likely had it longer. Once the symptoms started, I came here right away – July of last year.”

Rosen is one of more than 70 participants in the Eden Prairie program. But for him, it’s about more than just exercise – it’s a place to rebuild strength, both physical and emotional, in a judgment-free space.

“When we’re exercising in class, nobody’s looking at anyone else,” Rosen said. “Everyone’s just focused on what the instructor says. Parkinson’s affects people differently. It’s a shame more people don’t realize how much exercise can help.”

A grant-funded lifeline

That sense of community and transformation Rosen described is at the heart of Eden Prairie’s Parkinson’s programs. Megan Munoz, the city’s recreation supervisor for fitness, sees these classes as more than workouts – they’re lifelines.

The programs – Get Living with Parkinson’s and Get Partnering with Parkinson’s – support people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. Get Living with Parkinson’s focuses on movement, helping participants improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Meanwhile, Get Partnering with Parkinson’s offers caregivers fitness classes, social activities, and opportunities for self-care.

The program now serves about 70 participants, though attendance varies from class to class. Five classes are offered each week, each tailored to meet different needs: boxing, cycling, cardio, and strength on Mondays; yoga or tai chi on Tuesdays; strength training on Wednesdays; Nordic walking on Thursdays; and a mix of activities, such as dance or ping pong, on Fridays.

Munoz said the program welcomes people at all stages of Parkinson’s. “Physical exercise helps stave off the symptoms, even for those who have had Parkinson’s for many years,” she said. “There’s no cure for it, but these exercises can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms.”

She explained that the program was designed to offer more than just one type of activity, like boxing or cycling, ensuring participants benefit from a wide variety of physical and mental fitness options.

The program began in 2017 with just two classes and a handful of participants. By 2023, growing demand prompted Eden Prairie to apply for a competitive grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation, making it the only program in Minnesota to receive funding that year. Encouraged by its success, the city secured a second grant in 2024, launching Get Partnering with Parkinson’s to better support caregivers and expand offerings.

“While fitness is our bread and butter, the grant allowed us to go beyond just physical fitness and create a well-rounded program focusing on physical, social, mental, and emotional health,” Munoz said.

Munoz also highlighted how the program fosters community and combats the isolating effects of Parkinson’s. “One key aspect of Parkinson’s is that it tends to draw you inward, making your movements smaller,” she explained. “That’s why we focus on big, exaggerated moves.”

Participants work on intentional, deliberate movements to address common challenges, such as shuffling or stiffness.

“A lot of times, steps can turn into shuffles, so they work on marching to practice intentional, deliberate movements,” Munoz said. “It’s about creating habits and building confidence through movement.”

Personal stories of impact

While Rosen found strength and purpose in the program, other participants, like Roger Pasch, have experienced equally transformative benefits.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago, Pasch credits the program with improving both his physical condition and his outlook on life.

“It helps your attitude, your strength, your flexibility,” Pasch said. “It touches you in so many ways.”

At his doctor’s recommendation, Pasch joined the program and now attends four days a week. Class sizes range from 12 to 20 participants and are tailored to address challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s.

“Each one benefits you in a different way,” Pasch said. “For example, as Parkinson’s progresses, your voice can weaken, and the program even incorporates elements to help with that.”

The program’s variety also keeps it engaging. “You go from Tai Chi to strength training to walking and biking,” he said. “It’s an amazing variety, and it keeps things fresh so you don’t burn out.”

For Pasch, the relationships he’s formed in the program are just as meaningful. “We’re all in the same boat,” he said. “It’s nice to have people who understand what you’re going through.”

The difference-makers behind the program

For 15 years, Charlene Austin has been a cornerstone of the Eden Prairie Community Center, shaping fitness programs with equal parts expertise and heart. As one of four certified instructors in the center’s Parkinson’s program, Austin has been involved since its launch in 2017.

Her Wednesday afternoon functional living exercise class, affectionately nicknamed “Sarge’s class” by Rosen, blends strength training with fine motor exercises. “We use weights, scarves and balls – it works your whole body,” Rosen said. “You feel the difference if you miss a class.”

Austin stresses the importance of big, deliberate movements, a crucial technique for managing Parkinson’s symptoms. “The bigger the movements, the better,” she stressed. “Parkinson’s is a tough disease, and everything works differently for everyone, but big movement is key.”

Her classes also foster fun and community. “They’re enthusiastic and easy to teach,” Austin said. “Whatever you throw at them, they’re willing to try.”

One highlight? A Parkinson’s-friendly version of the “Macarena.” “It doesn’t matter if you get it right – it always makes them smile,” Austin said.

Supporting care partners

While the instructors lead the way, Eden Prairie’s Get Partnering with Parkinson’s also supports care partners, offering them opportunities of their own. On Wednesdays, care partners can join fitness classes specifically designed for them while their loved ones participate in other activities.

Care partners are also invited to a variety of other events, including monthly “Lunch and Learn” sessions with guest presenters, speaker events, and field trips. Once a month, the program hosts Game Day, where both participants and care partners can join in activities like ping pong, chair volleyball, axe throwing, and bags. These events create opportunities for everyone to relax, connect, and enjoy time together outside of structured classes.

For Pasch’s wife, Everly, who attends classes with him, the program has become a space of her own.

“She loves it,” Pasch said. “Even though she’s my caregiver, she’s made friends here, too. It’s important for her to have her own space where she can focus on her well-being.”

Munoz emphasized that supporting caregivers is just as vital as helping participants with Parkinson’s. “This isn’t just about fitness,” she said. “It’s about creating a community where care partners feel valued and have opportunities to recharge.”

Small victories, big impact

Rosen said the program offers more than exercise – it’s a space to rebuild strength and find purpose.

Instructors set the tone from the start: “This is not a support group,” Rosen recalled. But bonds form naturally. “People might mention, ‘I didn’t sleep well,’ or ‘I wasn’t feeling great,’” he said. “But it’s just like two 25-year-olds chatting about their day.”

Small victories – a steadier step, a shared laugh – carry weight for those managing Parkinson’s. Austin has seen it firsthand. “One gentleman could barely make it into the studio on his first day,” she said. “Now, he walks in smiling and fully participates.”

For Rosen, the camaraderie and positivity are just as important as the physical benefits. “In a year and a half, I’ve never met anyone grumpy or crabby,” he said. “The instructors make you feel good. You’d think there’d be negativity with Parkinson’s, but this group? It’s nothing but wonderful.”

Munoz credits this atmosphere to the program’s holistic approach. “It’s about building mental muscles as much as physical ones,” she said. “Staying active, finding joy, and knowing you’re not alone.”

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The program is free for Community Center members and participants in the Get Living with Parkinson’s program, including care partners. “One of the great things about the grant is that many participants qualify for free membership through programs like Silver Sneakers,” Munoz said.

Grant funds are also available to cover fees for those who do not qualify. Care partners can attend speaker events and presentations, and punch cards are offered for added flexibility.