From the exterior, it is not much to look at: an otherwise non-descript large warehouse structure on Mississippi Street in Vallejo that blends into the surrounding mix of residential houses and industrial buildings just east of Sonoma Blvd. Once you walk through the door, however, you’re greeted by panoply of colors, movements, and shapes created by gymnasts of all abilities and ages swinging through the air, tumbling across floors, and springing off vaults.

The non-profit North Bay Athletic Association (NBAA) was founded to promote, support, and provide facilities and services to the youth athletes of Napa and Solano counties. NBAA serves over 600 children with affordable, quality programs that help develop the whole child through training in the sports of recreational and competitive gymnastics and cheerleading. In addition, services include summer camps, fitness training, hip-hop, and Capoeira classes.

One of NBAA’s primary objectives is to advance education in the art of gymnastics and related athletic forms. The means of providing such education includes maintaining facilities for instruction and training, which are open to the general youth population along with conducting public performances and workshops. Children are provided the opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and physical conditioning.

Not only does NBAA offer the largest and most complete facility of its type in the area, but it also caters to the recreational child-athlete as well.

The well trained staff is dedicated to not only improving a child’s physical fitness and teaching them the importance of good health but also to instilling in them the values of good sportsmanship, perseverance, discipline, pride of accomplishment and self-confidence in a fun and safe environment. As parent Kris Wehrmeister notes, “Everyone who works there goes out of their way to make sure that my daughters have a squealing, joyful, giggly, bouncing fabulous time every time we visit.”

NBAA has all the equipment you’d expect from a first class gymnastics facility: there is a large spring exercise floor, foam filled in-ground pit, high bars, tumbling track, uneven bars, balance beams, vaults, a trampoline, pommel horses, etc. Equipment is introduced at an age and ability appropriate level, with more gifted and desiring students quickly moving on to more structured and intense sessions.

Besides the structured team and recreational classes, NBAA also sponsors regular “Open Gym” sessions. Every Saturday, from 12:30 – 2:00, members and non-members can use the gym’s equipment to practice or play on whatever they like. NBAA is also available for birthday parties on the weekends: forget the usual party fare, and let your child and his or her guests jump on trampolines, hop on mats, swing on ropes, and experience the fun of working with a trained coach.

Moreover, in the summer, a series of seven, week-long camps to provide hours of enjoyment for children, and a healthy alternative to sitting around the house. Each week is differently themed (Magic Week, Around the World Week, Gladiator Week, Music Week, Fantasy Week, Art Week, and Olympic Week) but they will all include exercise, games, healthy snacks, and arts and crafts.

On Saturday September 13, NBAA will host a free open house to celebrate National Gymnastics Day. The gym will welcome the public with gymnastic demonstrations, a carnival and barbeque, an auction, and chance for all kids to tumble, bounce and generally have a “giggly” good time!

Open Gym hours and pricing: Every Saturday from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Occasionally, there are weekend competitions held at the facility (during which there is no Open Gym), so please call before heading over. Admission is free for NBAA members and only $5.00 for non-members. Non-member children must have a release form on file signed by their parent or legal guardian and children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

For directions or more information about NBAA membership or classes, please contact Sarajane or Angie at (707) 643-9622.

Categories: Features
Tags: athlete, non-profit, Vallejo