This week, Genesis Gymnastics held interactive, outdoor classes for children at Henderson Memorial Park off the 9th Line in Bradford.
Owner Donna Katz set up an outdoor circuit of balance beams and tumbler mats on the grass at the park for kids to enjoy a relaxed, instructional class.
Katz and her assistant Amy Thompson guided children through somersaults, cartwheels, and handstands while engaging in light movements such as jumping jacks and stretching.
“I felt it went so amazing,” says Katz.
This was Katz’ first time offering free outdoor sessions and, which had a favourable turnout.
“I did this not because I was getting anything out of it financially, but I feel like it was such an important thing to do right now for the kids [and] for parents who have been inside for so long, who need to just get out, let go, have fun and be kids again and play,” Katz explains.
She adds there will be another two classes scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday (June 29 & 30) both at Henderson Park from 3-4 p.m., and children ages three and up are welcome to attend.
“We just learned about the class and came over to jump in,” shares local mom Vanessa Gulla, who brought her four-year-old daughter Valentina to Monday’s class. “I’m hoping this will help socialize her as well as give her some activity.”
Gulla originally enrolled her daughter at Genesis Gymnastics just one month before the pandemic began, with plans of signing her two-year-old up as well.
“The plan was to get them both in but then everything shut down… the whole world shut down,” notes Gulla.
As Genesis Gymnastics falls under the ‘fitness’ sector of business, Katz’ facility is not able to reopen her gym until Stage 3 of Ford’s plan; however, Katz shares she is very excited to officially launch her outdoor daycamp programs, commencing on July 5.
Anyone wishing to sign their children up for ‘Gymnastics in the Park’ or to register for daycamps can contact Katz at [email protected].
“[I’m] excited to see all the kids and so grateful I’m able to provide that service for them so they can get out and have fun and be kids again," says Katz.
For more information about Genesis Gymnastics and upcoming programs, visit their website here.
