Parkettes

For families across Pennsylvania, particularly those in the Lehigh Valley region, finding a facility that offers top-tier athletic training alongside a supportive environment for children's development can be a significant decision. Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center, located in Allentown, PA, is an institution with a rich history spanning decades. While sometimes perceived as solely an elite training ground, Parkettes is organized with the broader purpose of providing all boys and girls, regardless of age, financial, mental, or physical ability, the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of gymnastics.

Parkettes has earned its reputation as a premier gymnastics center, having produced numerous national, international, and even Olympic-level gymnasts. However, its mission extends far beyond competitive excellence. The organization strives to be a community resource, promoting physical fitness, coordination, strength, and flexibility in over 1200 local children. Programs range from foundational "You & Me" and "Kindergym" classes for the youngest participants to recreational and advanced competitive tracks. This dedication to broad accessibility ensures that many children in Pennsylvania can discover the benefits of gymnastics.

The facility itself is state-of-the-art, encompassing 32,000 square feet of modern and continually updated equipment. The coaching staff at Parkettes boasts extensive experience, with hundreds of years of combined coaching knowledge, contributing to the high standard of instruction. While the pursuit of excellence is a core value, Parkettes also emphasizes the importance of a positive athletic experience, self-esteem, and confidence for every child. They offer specialty programs, outreach initiatives for children with special needs, and a scholarship program, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and wider community benefit.

It is important for prospective families in Pennsylvania to form their own opinions based on direct experience. While there have been varied public discussions regarding the intensity of elite training environments in gymnastics, Parkettes aims to provide a spectrum of programs to meet diverse needs. Many parents report positive experiences, highlighting the dedication of coaches like Jenn and Rick, and the joy their children find in the classes. The opportunity for children to engage in physical activity, build strength, and develop confidence within a structured environment is a key benefit offered by Parkettes.

Imagine your toddler giggling through a "Kindergym" session, or your child mastering a new skill on the balance beam. Picture the pride of seeing young athletes develop discipline and teamwork. Parkettes strives to offer these experiences, enabling children in the Lehigh Valley to participate in a sport that builds character and physical prowess. The enduring legacy and commitment to gymnastics development make Parkettes a prominent and historically significant entity in Pennsylvania's sports landscape.

Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center is conveniently located at 401 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Allentown, PA 18102, USA. This central location in Allentown makes it a highly accessible destination for families residing in the city and across the wider Lehigh Valley region, including communities such as Bethlehem, Easton, Whitehall, and Emmaus. Its position on Martin Luther King Jr Drive, a well-known thoroughfare, ensures ease of navigation for all visitors.

The accessibility of Parkettes is a key advantage for busy Pennsylvania families. The facility is reachable from major routes, including Route 22, Route 309, and I-78, with detailed directions available from various entry points into Allentown. Ample parking is conveniently located directly across Martin Luther King Jr Drive from the gym, alleviating concerns about drop-offs and pick-ups. This ease of access ensures that children from a wide geographic area can participate in the high-quality gymnastics and related programs offered by Parkettes without significant logistical hurdles. The modern and spacious facility is designed to accommodate the large number of students it serves, further enhancing the overall convenience.

Being situated in the heart of Allentown, Parkettes is an integral part of the local community, contributing significantly to the athletic and youth development landscape of the city and the entire Lehigh Valley. Its presence provides a dedicated space for physical activity, skill development, and community engagement, making it a familiar and trusted resource for families seeking structured athletic programs for their children in Pennsylvania.

Services Offered:

• You & Me Classes: Introductory parent-and-child gymnastics programs for the youngest participants (typically age 1+).
• Kindergym: Structured classes designed for preschool-aged children (e.g., 3-6 years) focusing on fundamental gymnastics skills and creative play.
• Recreational Gymnastics (Boys & Girls): Programs for school-aged children focused on developing gymnastics skills in a fun, non-competitive environment.
• Competitive Team Programs: Advanced training tracks for talented young athletes aiming for local, national, and international recognition, including Olympic aspirations.
• Cheer-nastics: Specialty program combining elements of cheerleading and gymnastics.
• Extreme Ninja: High-energy classes incorporating elements of obstacle courses and strength training.
• Special Needs Programs: Outreach initiatives including Special Olympics and classes for children with special physical, mental, or emotional needs.
• Enrichment Program: Designed for children aged 3-6, enhancing the "whole child" through music, fitness, story time, and crafts.
• Open Gym Time: Opportunities for supervised free play and practice in the gymnastics facility.
• Birthday Parties: Fun-filled celebrations offering activity time in the gym and dedicated party space.
• Field Trips: Programs for schools and groups to experience the facility and basics of gymnastics.
• Lunch Time Flip Zone: Specific programs for daytime activity.
• Gymnastics and Tumbling Clinics: Specialized short-term training sessions.
• College Scholarship Program: Support for gymnasts pursuing higher education.
• Satellite Programs: Outreach to nursery schools, day care centers, and local schools (e.g., Lehigh Valley Arts Academy Charter School) to provide gymnastics fundamentals.

Features / Highlights:

• State-of-the-Art Facility: Encompassing 32,000 sq. feet of modern recreational and competitive gymnastics equipment, continuously updated.
• Experienced Coaching Staff: Comprised of highly experienced and dedicated instructors with hundreds of years of combined experience.
• Legacy of Excellence: Has produced numerous national, international, and Olympic-level gymnasts (e.g., 5 Olympic Team Members, 10 World Championship Team members).
• Comprehensive Program Range: From pre-school to elite competitive training, catering to all ages and abilities.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Emphasizes physical fitness, coordination, strength, flexibility, discipline, responsibility, confidence, and goal-setting.
• Inclusivity: Programs for children with special needs and a scholarship program.
• Community Resource: Promotes the Lehigh Valley nationally and internationally, offers exhibitions for local events.
• Positive Peer Interaction: Aims to foster a family of athletes and positive social development.
• Recognized Leadership: Co-founders Donna and Bill Strauss inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
• Diverse In-House Programs: Beyond regular classes, offers play days, open gym, sleepovers, and clinics.

Contact Information:

Address: 401 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Allentown, PA 18102, USA

Phone: (610) 433-0011

In conclusion, Parkettes National Gymnastics Training Center in Allentown, PA, represents a significant and multifaceted resource for families across Pennsylvania. With a long-standing history of producing top-tier gymnasts and a commitment to providing comprehensive programs for all ages and abilities, Parkettes offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in physical activity, develop essential life skills, and potentially pursue competitive aspirations. While different experiences may vary based on individual expectations and program levels, the sheer breadth of their offerings—from "You & Me" classes and recreational gymnastics to specialized programs for special needs and elite training—demonstrates a wide-reaching impact on the community.

For locals in Pennsylvania, Parkettes stands as an accessible, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the sport of gymnastics. Its central location in Allentown and extensive array of programs make it a practical choice for parents seeking to instill discipline, confidence, and a love for physical fitness in their children. We encourage families to explore the various classes and form their own positive opinions, as many have found Parkettes to be a valuable and enriching experience for their children, fostering growth and a passion for gymnastics right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Parkettes

401 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Allentown, PA 18102, USA