Havertown YMCA To Celebrate Gymnastics Center's First Anniversary With Free Event

HAVERTOWN, PA — The Haverford Area YMCA is set to mark the first anniversary of its Gymnastics Center with a free public celebration this Saturday.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to noon at the 11,000-square-foot facility at 4 Raymond Dr., and community members of all ages are invited to attend.

The center opened a year ago as part of an effort to expand gymnastics opportunities for local families and young athletes, according to the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. The facility was built with a foam pit, Resi Mat Systems, a full-size competition floor, tumbling track, and vaults, bars, and beams.

It was also designed to accommodate more than 1,000 youth per seven-week session and support more than 100 members of the Haverford Gymnastics Team, while also offering the potential to host YMCA-sanctioned gymnastics competitions.

Saturday's anniversary event will include facility tours, a meet-and-greet with coaches and staff, information about programs and camps, equipment demonstrations, time for guests to try the equipment, prizes and giveaways, refreshments, and a performance by the Haverford YMCA Gymnastics Team.

The YMCA said the past year has been transformative for the program. Since the center opened, it has served hundreds of youth each session through recreational and competitive gymnastics offerings. The competitive program has also grown in recent years. The Haverford Gymnastics Team was re-established in 2019 with 12 gymnasts and has grown to more than 50 athletes competing at various levels.

The team is led by Head Coach Natalie Wojcik, a former NCAA Division I gymnast and 10-year coaching veteran. Wojcik helped guide the University of Michigan to three Big Ten Championships and a National Championship during her college career.

“A year ago, we opened the door to something special — a home for young gymnasts that could grow with them. Watching that promise come to life has been so much fun. The confidence, discipline, and joy we see in these young athletes is exactly why we made this investment. We’re excited to welcome the larger community in to see it for themselves,” says Katie Koch, Executive Director of the Haverford Area YMCA.

The anniversary celebration is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at 4 Raymond Dr., Havertown.