Geneva Park District Introduces New Gymnastics and Tumbling Programs

The has rolled out new and improved Gymnastics program and an improved tumbling programs this fall with a new jungle theme. They have kept the same classes residents know and love but have made improvements based on resident comments. The new programs have become more structured in nature to give children a great gymnastics experience while having fun.

The Geneva Park District has two gymnastics gyms, one for tumbling and one for gymnastics. The first gym is the “Jungle Gym” located at the , 710 Western Ave. It is designed for ages 12 months to 10 years old.

The Jungle Gym has age appropriate uneven bars, parallel bars, mini tramp, rings, beams and more. Participants will learn a variety of new gymnastics skills while having fun and getting fit. Classes available at the Jungle Gym include Parent and Tot Classes, Pre-School classes and Jungle Open Gyms. These classes are the same classes, but with new jungle themes. Each child’s age level has a different animal name to give the class a distinct tumbling experience from the other age levels.

Parent and Tot classes are 30 minutes long and offer parents and children the chance to work together learning gymnastics body positions, balance and coordination. Coaches will be using musical tapes, obstacle courses and actual gymnastics apparatus during the class. Parents and guardians should be ready to be involved in the class. Classes that are available are Gym 'Roos for 1-year-olds with parent (formally Go baby Go). Also, Gym Koalas for 2-year-olds with parent (formally Tiny Toddler).

Pre-School classes are available for 45-minute and one-hour sessions. These classes help children develop coordination, agility, strength, balance, flexibility, motor skills and self-esteem. The 45-minute classes include Gym Pandas for 3-year-olds (formally Tiny Tots), Gym Monkeys for 4-year-olds (formally Tot) and Gym Giraffes for 5-year-olds (formally Tiny Tikes). The one-hour sessions give the child more out of their gymnastics experience.

Classes focus on the same gymnastics concepts but more time is devoted to being in the gym and gives the child more time to focus on a specific skill each week. The onehour classes include Gym Bears for 3- and 4-year-olds, Gym Cats for 5- and 6-year-olds and Gym Cheetahs for 4- through 6-year-olds.

The second gym is the Gymnastics Gym located at Geneva High School, 416 McKinley Ave. This gym is designed for more advanced gymnasts to practice a higher skill level of gymnastics. The program itself has a club structure but with the Park District feel.

The Rec team meets on Mondays and Wednesdays and introduces students to the more advanced skill level of gymnastics. They compete in one meet throughout the year. The Geneva Gymnastics Academy is a member of AAU and USAG. GGA provides gymnasts an opportunity to perform at a higher level in a fun and safe environment. GGA gymnasts meet on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and compete in at least 5 meets per year.

All students entering the gymnastics program at the Geneva Park District with previous experience will go through an evaluation. Please note all students may be moved after the first two classes if they are not in the correct level. Students will be evaluated using the Park District’s progression skill cards. Throughout the class, the instructor will be keeping a log of progression for each student. On the last day of class, there will be a parent/guardian watch day. Students will receive their progression card on this day.

“Our goal is to have fun in a safe environment while improving the gymnasts’ muscle development, coordination and self-esteem” said Mike Contreras. “The introduction of the Jungle Gym and improved gymnastics programs provide participants with a club level learning experience with the Park District feel of having fun and doing their best.”

For more information about the Jungle Gym or Gymnastics programs, contact Mike Contreras at (630) 232-4542.

This article is courtesy of the Geneva Park District.