New Kent gymnastics center overcomes hurdles, set to open state-of-the-art facility
With its 10-year anniversary right around the corner, New Kent-based Virginia Elite Gymnastics Academy has grown in a decade; offering up specialized training for kids across the county and the state.
Spending a lifetime in the trade, owner Carissa Baldwin said she’s watched her dreams come to life each year. With a focus on adopting the newest equipment and training, Baldwin has built up a reputation for providing a high-quality environment.
“I like to consider myself an early adopter,” Baldwin said. “At the heart of it, we have a growth mindset. Instead of staying stagnant, we look at new knowledge and improve ourselves.”
Growing in popularity and with more students enrolled, Baldwin knew she needed to expand. Announcing her plans to build a new facility in September 2018, Baldwin got to work laying out plans and kicking off construction.
After nearly two years, the academy was set to open in June. But, then the COVID-19 outbreak hit.
With only a day’s notice, Baldwin said she had to shut down her current facility for nearly three months and had to postpone the grand opening of the new 17,500 square foot building.
“The financial impact from the pandemic has been extremely detrimental but we are still here and adapting the situation we’re in,” Baldwin said.
Looking to offer customers peace of mind, the company switched gears and began focusing on how to better their current building and develop their latest facility to match a post-pandemic world.
With nearly 30% of its clientele back, Baldwin said they are taking precautions to ensure their safety.
In their new facility, Baldwin said they are adopting the latest technology in order to welcome folks back.
“Safety had been our No. 1 priority since day one,” Baldwin said. “We can’t control what happens next, but we can assure we have the latest technology.”
The new facility will feature a bipolar ionization clean air filtration system to sterilize the air, hygienic in-ground landing pits, multiple touchless amenities and live streaming so parents can watch their children’s practices from anywhere, Baldwin said.
Additionally, the company is constantly sanitizing and participants will be required to stay 6-feet apart.
Looking to fill a need within the county, the company is also equipping the facility with WiFi connections, classrooms and additional space to exercise.
“As a mom of three children, it’s a scary time and no one wants our kids to feel it. They need an escape, they need exercise, they need to learn and they need to socialize,” Baldwin said. “I feel safer knowing my kids are in the best possible facility to meet those needs.”
The company will offer gymnastics classes, competitive cheer, tumbling and day camps for kids to participate in. The new facility is set to open at the end of August.
For more information, visit thevegagym.com.
Emily Holter, emily.holter@virginiamedia.com, 757-256-6657, @EmilyHolterNews.
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