Foundation Gymnastics: New St. paul Facility unites Elite and Recreational Gymnasts
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Foundation Gymnastics,a new state-of-the-art facility located at 655 Fairview Ave. in St.Paul, is quickly becoming a hub for gymnastics enthusiasts of all levels. Officially opening to the team in late October, the facility serves as the new home for the University of Minnesota Men’s Gymnastics Club while also offering programs for young children and recreational gymnasts.
The 18,000-square-foot space is thoughtfully designed with three dedicated spaces: a preschool area, a training area for the University of Minnesota men’s team, and a section equipped for the uneven bars and high jump.This unique layout allows for a dynamic environment where aspiring gymnasts can witness and learn from high-level training. “We have a high-level men’s gymnastics team training in the same space that these little kids will be doing their gymnastics,” explained the club’s head coach. “They’ll have some upper-level gymnastics that they can kind of be exposed to and watch while they’re doing their stuff and give them a chance to think, ‘Oh I coudl maybe do that someday.'”
A Club forged Through Change
The journey to Foundation Gymnastics wasn’t without its challenges. In 2020, the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents removed men’s gymnastics from its Division I status, transitioning the program to club status under the campus life program. Despite an initial dip in participation – falling to just seven members – the club has steadily grown, now boasting 26 athletes.
The shift has proven beneficial, attracting gymnasts who may not have had opportunities at the NCAA level. “It’s kind of a great destination for gymnasts that want to continue to do gymnastics at the college level, at a very high-level institution,” the head coach stated. “So I think we’re pretty attractive for guys that aren’t able to get onto an NCAA team. We have a great option for them here.”
From Cooke Hall to a New Beginning
Prior to Foundation Gymnastics,the team called cooke Hall home for nearly a century. However, in 2024, the University requested the team vacate the space to facilitate renovations for the diving team, kinesiology program, and RecWell activities. The team continued to train, albeit temporarily, at facilities like Mini Hops in Plymouth, North Shore Gymnastics in Maple Plain, and twin Cities Twisters in Champlin.
The displacement was difficult for many. one junior athlete described Cooke Hall as “a safe haven” and lamented the loss of a historic space. despite the disruption,the team achieved a second-place finish at the GymACT nationals the same year they were asked to move.
The instability underscored the importance of a dedicated facility. “It’s a team sport,” explained a team president.”So being able to bounce off of each other’s energy is really crucial to be able to hit routines. I think understanding who you’re competing for every day in the gym makes a really big impact on the outcome of your routines.”
Building Community and Looking Ahead
The new facility fosters a sense of community by bringing together gymnasts of all ages and skill levels. A freshman athlete noted the opportunity to maintain the legacy of Minnesota men’s College gymnastics while also exploring future possibilities, such as establishing a junior men’s club gymnastics team. The convenient location, close to both campus and student housing, is also a notable benefit. “It’s a lot of time and gas saved,” one freshman shared.
Currently, the team is preparing for their Maroon and Gold intrasquad set as a prelude to upcoming competitions. They will host home competitions in early January and February at Shakopee High School and Humboldt High School,respectively,with the MN GymAct Invitational also taking place at Humboldt High School on February 14.
For those interested in learning more about Foundation Gymnastics, visit foundationgym.org.
