GRC - Gymnastics & Recreation Center
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
GRC - Gymnastics & Recreation Center is highly praised for its engaging gymnastics classes for toddlers and young children, and its active, obstacle course-style birthday parties. The facility is described as superb, with dedicated coaches who ensure children are constantly moving and having fun, especially in the 2-6 year old age range. A unique value proposition is the comfortable parent viewing area via a one-way mirror.
Key Highlights
- ✓Birthday parties for 6-year-olds feature 1.5 hours of continuous, obstacle course-like gym activities that keep kids highly engaged.
- ✓Coaches demonstrate ability to work well with children of all abilities during parties.
- ✓Toddler gymnastics courses (for 2-3 and 3-year-olds) are taught with patience, kindness, and enthusiasm by specific, highly praised coaches (e.g., Coach Natalie, Coach Belle).
- ✓Toddler classes incorporate music, basic movement, skill challenges, and free play, along with take-home body positioning exercises.
- ✓The facility is consistently described as 'superb' and 'fantastic'.
- ✓Parents can comfortably observe classes from a separate area through a one-way mirror, which kids enjoy interacting with.
- ✓For birthday parties, the venue implements COVID-19 safety measures, verifying vaccination status and negative test results.
Standout Features
- ⭐Structured and energetic 1.5-hour gym time for birthday parties.
- ⭐Highly patient, kind, and enthusiastic coaches for toddler classes (e.g., Coach Natalie and Coach Belle).
- ⭐Engaging curriculum for toddlers, including music, movement, skill challenges, and free play.
- ⭐A superb and well-maintained facility.
- ⭐A unique one-way mirror viewing area for parents to watch classes without distracting children.
- ⭐Take-home body positioning exercises provided for toddler class participants.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →If booking a birthday party for a 6-year-old, expect a highly active and engaging 1.5-hour gym experience.
- →For toddlers (2-3 years old), consider enrolling in specific gymnastics classes or attending 'toddler playtime'.
- →If seeking toddler classes, inquire about coaches Natalie and Belle due to positive parent feedback.
- →Be prepared for a potentially crowded waiting area, especially during peak class times.
- →Be aware that specific COVID-19 health protocols (vax/test verification) are in place for birthday parties.
Things to Consider
- ⚠One review reported unprofessional conduct from front desk staff, including lying about male presence, perceived spying, and asking for personal information while multitasking.
- ⚠Concerns were raised about a potentially uncomfortable social environment, with one reviewer mentioning a disproportionate number of 'provoking and frat' males.
- ⚠An instructor was described as 'totally careless' in one instance, raising safety and quality concerns.
- ⚠The waiting area can be 'a bit crowded'.
Price & Value
Specific pricing is not mentioned in the reviews. However, the consistent positive feedback on coaching quality, facility, and engaging programs for both parties and classes suggests good value for the experience provided, particularly for the target age groups. No hidden costs are mentioned.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Coaches are noted to work 'well with kids of all abilities' during birthday parties, suggesting an inclusive approach to instruction.
- •No specific physical accessibility features (e.g., ramps, sensory rooms) are mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not mentioned in the reviews.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not mentioned in the reviews.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The waiting area can be 'a bit crowded'.
- •Classes are likely controlled, and birthday parties provide a dedicated experience, suggesting manageable crowd levels within those specific activities.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Verification of vaccination status and negative test results for birthday parties.
- •Coaches are noted to work well with kids of all abilities, implying a focus on safe and appropriate instruction.
- •The facility is described as 'superb' and 'fantastic', suggesting good maintenance, though one reviewer did mention a 'careless instructor' which is a safety concern.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If you are highly sensitive to potentially unprofessional customer service at the reception.
- • If you are concerned about potential social dynamics or 'provoking' individuals in the general gym environment (as reported by one reviewer).
- • If you prioritize a quiet and spacious waiting area.
- • If you cannot overlook an instance of a 'careless' instructor (as reported in one review).
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
School Night Out Open Gym
September 19
Open gym for youth.
Parents’ Night Out
September 26
Indoor Playground Power Hour
October 5
A fun-filled session of music, movement, and gross motor play at the indoor playground for toddlers.
Indoor Playground Day Pass (Wednesday)
October 1
$10.00
Playful and engaging time for toddlers to explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills in a nature-inspired setting.
Indoor Playground Day Pass (Friday)
October 3
$10.00
Playful and engaging time for toddlers to explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills.
Indoor Playground Day Pass (Saturday)
October 4
$10.00
Playful and engaging time for toddlers to explore, jump, crawl, and build fine motor skills.
📅Booking Policy
- • Online registration is available via Amilia (online or mobile app).
- • In-person registration is available at Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex.
- • Phone registration is available by calling (708) 725-2000.
- • Photo ID upload is required for the Amilia app.
- • Registration for most seasonal programs begins the first Saturday after the Program Guide delivery for Oak Park Residents, followed by Non-Resident registration one week later.
- • Some programs, including Gymnastics, may have different registration timelines.
- • Pre-registration for specific events (e.g., public skate) opens 14 days prior and closes 1 hour prior.
- • Pre-registration for other classes (e.g., Nature Center activities) opens 7 days prior and closes 1 hour prior.
What People Say
What's Great
- Great for birthday parties (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Alyssa Hart
3 years agoWe had a great experience when we had our 6 year old's birthday party here. They verify vax status and negative test result. The gym time was 1.5 hours and the kids were constantly on the move, much like an obstacle course. The coaches worked well with kids of all abilities. My son, the birthday boy, said it was the best day of his life!
دعاء كميل
a year agoThe, black, female on the reception is a lier and spying I asked her about males she said there is no male. She asked me about personal info while she was writing an email. Males were more than females and are provoking and frat. More over the he instructor, female, was totally careless... I don't recommend it
Erik Lunde
2 years agoCoach Natalie and Coach Belle teach a gymnastics course for little tots (our daughter is 3 yrs old) and it is SO special. They teach with patience, kindness, and enthusiasm to keep the little ones engaged. The class consists of music/basic movement, skill challenges, and free time. They have some body positioning exercises for home as well. We love it!
Robert Douglas
6 years agoMy kids have taken numerous classes here. The facility is superb, save for a bit crowded in the waiting area. It's a hoot, though, to watch the kids from the other side of a one-way mirror where all the parents sit, as the kids walk balance beams, making faces at the mirror.
Morgan Lunde
a year agoFantastic facility. Toddler playtime is really fun. My daughter has loved the 2-3 year old gymnastic classes as well