Beloved gymnastics center in Grand Rapids closing its doors after 44 years

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Gymco, a long-running gymnastics center in Grand Rapids, recently announced that it will close its doors for good this summer.

The popular spot at 2306 Camelot Ridge Ct. SE stated on its website that Gymco will close at the end of August 2024 due to many factors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising labor and utility costs and the “ever-changing” employee landscape.

“It has become evident that the trajectory of our recovery will not meet our need for sustainability,” the statement reads. “We know that we offer a unique philosophy and that the value we provide to many of you is unparalleled. As an accepting, progression-based and fully recreational program, our closure will create a void as you seek active options for your family.”

Launched as an innovative and visionary company, Gymco was founded 44 years ago by Doreen Bolhuis to help youth in the West Michigan region gain physical confidence through the sport of gymnastics. Since 2019, Beth Briggs has been the new owner, president and CEO.

Over the years, the business has introduced movement-based learning, learn-to-ride bike clinics and a variety of programming to meet the local community’s needs.

At the same time, numerous other gymnastics centers have opened across the Grand Rapids area, with some a few miles away.

“We know this will be a loss to many of you, and we feel that pain ourselves in writing this,” Gymco wrote. “Unfortunately, though, the sad reality is that we are unable to maintain a quality program with the market share that we currently hold.”

The plan is to continue offering programming for gymnastics classes, summer preschool, day camps, and other events through Saturday, Aug. 24.

Gymco boasts that they are focused on providing the best experience right to the end, so they can be remembered fondly, “as a place where friends were made, fears overcome, and skills achieved.”

“We look forward to celebrating all of this and making more memories with you in the coming weeks as we watch the sun set on Gymco one final time,” the staff said. “We are ever so thankful for all the students and families we have met along the way, those that we see today and will see until the end of this summer session. You have made this 44-year journey possible. We will miss seeing you in the gym each week and celebrating your accomplishments alongside you.”

Learn more about the future of Gymco and the last full class schedule at gymco.com.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Grand Rapids” daily newsletter.