Funtastic Gymnastics is having its grand re-opening on Sunday.
For 15 years, Leanne and Russ Hayre operated the local 4,950-square-foot gymnastics academy at North Main Street in Manteca.
Earlier this year, they relocated to a spacious 8,400-square-foot facility at 1475 Moffat Blvd. Ste. 7.
What’s the initial impression of the all-new Funtastic Gymnastics?
“They say ‘wow, this looks like a professional gym,’” said Jenna Geer, who is the program director.
According to Leanne Hayre, the move, for the most part, was based on necessity.
“We outgrew our old place – we were busting at the seams,” she said on Monday. “This (new location) has been a huge blessing.”
Hayre is thankful to Geer for helping her find this new location in the Manteca Commerce Park. The signage is visible from the Highway 120 Bypass eastbound interchange to Highway 99.
Geer came across the place while scouting around for possible new locations shortly before Christmas.
As it turned out, the Hayres found the place as being quite suitable for their specifications – nearly double the space with higher ceilings and more parking.
With it soon came an increased enrollment of 200 youngsters – Geer, who teaches all levels of tumbling to competition teams, indicated that Funtastic Gymnastics has grown to 600 students ranging from toddlers to age 18.
The number of instructors or coaches has grown to eight.
“We’ve had four or five coaches for the longest time,” said Geer.
Included is Jessie Dorland, who’s in charge of the preschool / toddlers program. She’s been with Funtastic Gymnastic for the past five years.
Classes include recreation, all-around, just tumbling and just tumbling and trampoline, according to Geer, who along with Dorland works with the competition teams.
The grand re-opening event is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday and is open to the public.
Youngsters are free to do the gymnastic circuit, with discounts being available to all newcomers looking to sign up.
KAT Country radio station will be there as part of the Listener Appreciation Concert ticket stop, from 1 to 3 p.m.
A drawing for prizes will also be offered up during this special event.
Looking back, Leanne Hayre, who is a certified yoga and group cardio instructor, had no intention of getting into the ownership of the gym some 15 years ago. Her husband – Russ grew up as a trained as performing acrobat, trampolinist and record-setting diving instructor – offered her chance to take over the business from his daughter.
“I said ‘absolutely not,’” she recalled.
The Hayres now look forward to continue to expand Funtastic Gymnastics.
Future plans call for adding to the summer day camp while possibly bringing back the performance team.
For more information, log on to www.funtastic-gymnastic.com or call 209.825.5564.