History & Philosophy

This unique program originated in 1985 as Grand Junction Gymnastics Academy with a staff of 5 in a 5,000 square foot building and less than 90 students. Within the first year we grew to 300 students. In June, 1987 we moved into a 12,000 square foot building and enrollment soon topped 500.  GJGA has won individual and/or team State Gymnastics Championships every year for the past 18 years.  Co-founder Harlan Bensley was one of the first inductees into the Colorado Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 for his lifetime contributions to the sport.

Seeing the need for more professionally staffed quality youth activities, GJGA began to diversify, adding other childrens fitness, recreational and educational programs. The addition of a dance studio, climbing gym, indoor soft playground and private party rooms in 1995-6 pushed us over the building's capacity.  In January, 1999, we designed and constructed a 31,500 square foot KidzPlex facility and now employ more than 70.  We are now well into the initial stages of developing KidzPlex facilities and programs around Western Colorado, and hope to be able to spread this business idea across the country!

 KidzPlex owners and board of directors are Christians and want to give glory to God for blessing us and all children with a facility and business such as this.  It truly is a miracle that this facility was even constructed.  There have been, and still are many roadblocks to this project.  Every time we hit a dead end a miracle happens.  This has only served to increase our faith and know God is in control.  KidzPlex is the Lord's and we are only stewards of it.