Neither snow nor construction challenges or unexpected delays have dampened the spirit of Melissa Lilley, new owner of The Little Gym of Olympia. You can celebrate the Grand Opening on March 5. The family-centered facility is a fun place for children to play, gain skills and have an energetic time. You will finally get to see the total transformation of the space that long ago was The Sizzler Restaurant on Pacific Avenue.
The whole process has been no easy task. “Nothing was up to code,” shares Melissa. “We had to redo everything. The spaces gleam with new plumbing, electrical, HVAC system, and new walls. You won’t see the insulation, but that’s new, too. The roof had leaks, so that has been upgraded. Nothing much had been done since about 1980, according to Melissa.
Weather and other delays slowed down the original opening date, but now the end is in sight. “We are making really good progress,” she says with a big smile.
The Little Gym is all about getting children moving their bodies and stimulating their brains. Motor skills are improved, and children learn about interacting with others. Parents have options to do classes with their little ones and everyone has a good time. Trained instructors direct non-competitive programs that include gymnastics, dance and other activities. Self-esteem and confidence are not given to children, instead opportunities are provided to develop them. “We are excited to serve our community and our families,” says Melissa.
The Little Gym offers parent/child programs for the younger ages. They are divided by cute names, as follows:
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In its newly renovated space, The Little Gym of Olympia has classes for parents in babies to connect in memorable ways. Photo courtesy: The Little Gym Bugs: 4-10 months
- Birds: 10-19 months
- Beast: 19 months – 2.5 years
- Super Beasts: 2.5-3 years
Pre-K
- Funny Bugs (3 years)
- Giggle Worms (4 years)
- Good Friends (5 years)
Grade School
- Flips and Hot shots (6-12 years)
There are also gymnastics options for youth from preschool up to 12 years of age.
The Little Gym franchise has been supportive in getting the new space open, including designing the floor plan and providing project management. “They’ve been great!” says Melissa. The spacious, windowed entry way opens to the front office. There’s a large multi-purpose room for parties, and smaller classes. Mirrors abound. The gym is huge and supplied with plenty of equipment. The Big Red Mat covers quite a bit of ground. Children will use uneven bars, parallel bars, a high and low beam, a tumble track, and lots of moveable pieces like the big cheese wedge and springboards. Who wouldn’t want to get in on the action?
“Being able to provide a safe place where families can come and have a ball together is forefront for me,” says Melissa. With three children of her own, she knows first-hand the importance of physical and mental skill development for kids. Her kids are now eight, six and four and know about Little Gym. “They are ready!” laughs Melissa.
Formerly a stay-at-home mom, Melissa is pleased to be using her background in child development to run the gym. She is also a breast cancer survivor. “It really brought to light how important memory opportunities are for people,” she says. Her heart is warmed just thinking about moms meeting with each other and their children and creating friendships. “I also want to provide for those who don’t have a community of their own.”
Her husband Chris, who initiated the franchise application, has been involved with the new business, but he was already working fulltime. “I have a business,” explains Chris, who is an Amazon DSP (delivery service partner.) He has a large team of drivers and 40 trucks that deliver over 4,000 packages a day, seven days a week, throughout west Olympia and Tumwater.
“Come and check us out,” encourages Melissa. In addition to classes, The Little Gym of Olympia will offer camps and parent survival nights. That’s the time parents get to do something away from their child. Melissa anticipates the joys of birthday parties. The Little Gym is designed for physical and mental enrichment for children, and you can add that it’s helpful to parents, too.
The Grand Opening will also give you the chance to meet the instructors. Normal business hours are from 9 a.m.to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday. The gym is closed on Fridays and Sundays, though parties can be booked for Fridays. Local guidelines for masking will be followed.
For information about enrollment and to see what’s new, you can call or visit the The Little Gym website or Facebook page.
The Little Gym of Olympia
3315 Pacific Ave SE A2, Olympia
360.972.4515
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