TumbleTown

TumbleTown is Steveston’s new movement education centre. It is here that children as young as six months old are introduced to programs that enhance cognitive processes through fun and challenging activities involving movement circuits, games, and music.

TumbleTown Steveston opened on January 4, 2021. The first TumbleTown is situated in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood and recently celebrated its fourth anniversary.

The Steveston movement education centre is located inside the space that previously housed Wayland Sports and Cartwheels Gym on No. 2 Road. It has been completely renovated with entirely new equipment, flooring, fresh paint, and a ground-level viewing area was added.

Managing partner and director Connie Sherman joined forces with co-directors Sharron Crowley (founder of Vancouver’s Aquaventures Swim Centre) and Kelly Sherman to develop a unique and exciting curriculum with custom kid-sized equipment.

Connie is a seasoned gymnast with expertise in establishing, operating, and growing highly successful gymnastic clubs. Her experience, technical knowledge, and charismatic nature help set TumbleTown apart from conventional youth gymnastic programs.

A familiar face to many Stevestonites, Dana Kimura, is excited to join the TumbleTown team as the centre’s manager. She is a Level 3 certified coach as well as a certified coaching course instructor for Gymnastics BC. She was raised in Steveston and has been running gymnastics programs in Richmond for over 20 years. As the mother of a one-year-old, Dana endorses TumbleTown’s programs first hand. She was excited to see her son take his first steps in the lobby after attending a Tip n Tumbles class last summer.

Through movement, toddlers’ gymnastics classes help children use all their senses and expand their knowledge. Exercises are proven to expand communication skills, build confidence, and help develop better memories.

Preschool age gymnastics classes incorporate interaction to encourage independence through action-packed play.

Children gain patience, cooperation, and listening skills, improve their balance, strength, and coordination, learn valuable social skills, develop self-esteem, confidence, and a “can-do” attitude and most importantly, they have a lot of fun!

At age six months to walking, parents or caregivers join their little one for the Tip n Tumbles class where sensory and movement activities, baby exercises, and fundamental movement patterns are explored.

Tiny Tots classes are for children 12 months to two years old with a focus on climbing up and down various heights and inclines, running, beginner jumping, stepping backwards, kicking and throwing a ball, gripping and hanging, free exploration, and introduction to structured play.

Classes progress upward in age and include Tumble Tots (ages 2 to 3), Tumble Bugs (ages 3 to 4), Tumble Bears (ages 4 to 5), Tumbles n Tricks (ages 5 to 6), Tumbles n Flips (ages 7 to 8), and Advanced Tumblers (ages 7 to 9).

In addition to gymnastics classes, TumbleTown offers Family Drop-Ins and Gym-Venture Days (half-day camps for children 3 to 8 years old). Inclusive programs are offered with various options based on a child’s specific needs. Whether for special needs or any children’s gymnastics classes, private lessons are also available depending on gym and instructor availability.

TumbleTown is a place where everybody knows each other’s names. It is both community based and it is very social. Friendships are formed between parents and children alike.

The Vancouver location managed to stay open most of 2020 with the exception of three months last spring when many businesses temporarily closed. Before the centre reopened a comprehensive health and safety plan was implemented with cleanliness being a top priority. This plan is being adhered to at both locations to keep children, their families, and Tumbletown’s staff safe.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the large 5,000 square foot Steveston centre can accommodate a maximum of six children with one coach, with two classes operating simultaneously for a total of 12 children in the building.

When declared safe to do so, other special events will be introduced to the Steveston gym such as Parent’s Night Out. While you head off for a quiet evening, your children will play fun themed games, practice gymnastics, have a pizza dinner, and watch a flick. Children must be a minimum of four years old and be potty trained.

In-person birthday parties will also resume when given clearance, but for now, some families are choosing to book a semi-private lesson for a small group of friends as a fun birthday activity. TumbleTown will adapt a party around a specific theme or lead your child’s favourite games and activities.

Parents and caregivers can’t say enough kind words about TumbleTown, however, it is children’s most frequently used one word review, “Awesome,” that joyfully describes their happy place.

Welcome to Steveston, TumbleTown!

TumbleTown, 145-12417 No. 2 Road, Richmond BC V7E 6H7

Telephone 604-357-7355

www.tumbletown.ca