By Steve Hubrecht
The gymnastics centre at the cross- roads is set to open soon, and has a new name: The Gray Family Sportsplex – Home of Peaks Gymnastics.
On August 1 a few members of the local gymnastics community got a sneak peek at the new facility, which is almost complete, and which is scheduled to welcome gymnasts through its doors on September 1.
It was during the sneak peek that the centre’s new name was announced to honour a substantial donation made by the Gray family (Joanne, Rob, Tay- ton, Cassidy, Jax, Zoe, Dylan and Brody) from Panorama Mountain Resort.
Peaks head coach Alyssa Chaykowski expressed thanks to the Grays, saying “they believe gymnastics teaches the fundamental movements that are at the core of every sport. They know first- hand the importance of sport, and the lifelong benefits that come with it.”
Chaykowski told the Pioneer that the new centre is about 90 to 95 per cent finished. All that’s left to do is drywall the lobby and washroom, and a few finishing touches.
“It’s surreal to be nearly done,” said Chaykowski, adding that the project has been over a decade in the making. Peaks is run as a nonprofit society, and board members have long wanted to create a larger facility for their gymnasts, who face limitations on some programs as well as caps on the number of athletes who can participate. In fact, the society has had a substantial wait list for years because there simply has not been room for every child who wants to try gymnastics to safely fit in the smaller quarters the society has used in the past.
That’s set to change in September. The new centre, on Lakeview Drive, is 8,000 square feet, cost $1.2 million to build, and is one of the biggest gymnastics facilities in the East Kootenay. It will have a full foam pit, a full trampoline, and a full 40 foot-by-40 foot (12.2 metres) gymnastics floor.
“It’s state of the art,” said Chaykowski.
Actual construction of the building has been swift indeed; those driving on Lakeview Drive have watched the foundation poured, the walls go up, and the roof go in just a few months.
“It has been quick,” agreed Chaykowski. “The building went up in eight weeks. It’s pretty incredible.”
The land for the new centre was donated to Peaks in 2020 by the Lake Windermere District Lions Club.
Peaks plans for the centre to also host other user groups, such as the freestyle ski club and dance groups for cross training.
Peaks Gymnastics membership reached nearly 360 in 2023, making it the largest youth sport by membership in the Columbia Valley.
The exterior of the new Gray Family Sportsplex – Home of Peaks Gymnastics.
PHOTO JENNY HUBRECHT
