Oct. 29, 2021

The mats are mostly in, the beams are being set, and classes will start next week at the second location for Wings Gymnastics Academy.

It’s in a retail center at Lake Lorraine next to Child’s Play Toys.

The west side appears to have been “craving something like this,” owner Alicia Reiners said.

She was hoping for 100 students when the center opened. She’s up to 150 already, and after posting a preview photo of the space, “we had 15 new enrollments,” she said. “So I think people are ready for it.”

The gym at 2556 S. Lorraine Place is almost ready. After working through supply chain-related equipment delays, it’s nearly set up. The public can come see it, but not use it, during an open house from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Gymnasts already signed up for classes can do their initial check-in so they’re ready to go next week.

“I think it’s going to be quite nice with everything expanding at the lake, and the whole development feels like a community,” Reiners said. “They are very invested in making the businesses here succeed and work with each other and promote each other, and I think that’s a really neat thing.”

Wings will offer its Little Wings program for those walking through age 4, a girls recreation program for age 5 through advanced levels, and a new Wings Ninja program will debut this winter at the west-side location.

“We’re adding a ninja rig, so that’s a brand-new program for boys and girls 5 and up,” Reiners said.

To start, classes are from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with an open gym for play on Wednesday mornings. Children 2 and younger will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and it’s all ages from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Classes start Monday, and there is some availability.

“There’s not much space left, but yes, and we’ll continue to add classes as demand arises,” Reiners said.

“We are wanting to hire more recreational coaches so we can continue to grow this location.”

The Lake Lorraine location also likely will expand, she added.

“We were looking at building within a year … and it’s not the right time,” she said. “And I think this location is going to do better than I originally thought.”