"CONTINUING OUR FAMILY & TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE"

Grand Junction Gymnastics Academy

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 over 300 students. In June, 1987 we moved into a 12,000 square foot building and enrollment soon topped 500 members.

KidzPlex

Seeing the need for more professionally staffed quality youth activities, GJGA began to diversify adding other children’s fitness, recreational and educational programs. The addition of a dance studio, climbing gym, indoor soft playground and private party rooms in 1995-1996 pushed us over the building’s capacity. In January 1999, we designed and constructed a 31,500 square foot Kidzplex facility. The program continued to grow throughout the next 18 years.

Legacy Academy

After selling the KidzPlex facility in 2018 to School District 51 we thought about retiring from the business, but instead decided to return to our roots - competitive gymnastics. In 2019 we moved into the Allen Unique Autos building. We wanted to continue our love of gymnastics and dance and decided to rebrand into Legacy Academy. The name Legacy was chosen because we feel that we need to carry on with our family's tradition of excellence and service. Legacy Academy is dedicated to Kerri's parents, Sharon and Larry Vaughn, and Brian's parents, Harlan and Alice Bensley.

Awards & Championships

In 2002 KidzPlex (now Legacy Gymnastics & Ninja Academy) was awarded “Excellence in Entrepreneurship” an award sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center and Mesa State College Business Department. Grand Junction Gymnastics Academy and Legacy Gymnastics Academy has won individual and/or team State Gymnastics Championships every year since 1986. 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.

Dedications

Sharon & Larry Vaughn

Sharon and Larry loved serving others, they were the most loving and generous people. They loved kids in our community, loving and supporting not only thier kids and grandkids, but their friends. Sharon was a member of Kiwanis, hosted Young Life events, started Shoes That Fit program, purchasing new clothes and shoes for kids in need. Nana never missed a sporting event for their kids or grandkids. Sharon was the best Mom and role model, and Kerri's purpose is to carry on her legacy. In 2019 Sharon passed away, but left a lasting legacy we will forever cherish. Larry passed away in 2024. He coached his kids in little league and was always there to support them in their sports and activities. His smile and positivity would light up the room. We will cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of positivity and loving people.

Harlan & Alice Bensley

Harlan "Grandpa ponytail puller", was a permanent fixture in the gym. He was a competitive gymnast at the collegiate level at Iowa State. He started coaching gymnastics in Denver, CO in 1960, and began Grand Junction Gymnastics in 1985 with his son Brian. Harlan was selected into the Colorado Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997 for his influence in the sport of gymnastics. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family and sharing the Good News of Jesus.  Alice Bensley has been involved with Grand Junction Gymnastics from the very beginning.  She took care of bookkeeping in the beginning and then oversaw the Child Care Center in the KidzPlex facility as well as being a fulltime teacher for District 51 and achieving a master's degree in special education.  Her mission has always been to help those in need and to share God's love in a practical way. Harlan passed away in 2024. We will miss his presence in the gym every day but will continue to share his faith and dedication to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thanks & Gratitude

Finally, a special thanks to Tammy and Misty Allen for helping us provide this amazing facility (once known as Allen Unique Autos) to train gymnastics and ninja fitness to children of the Grand Valley.

Legacy Academy 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. Legacy Gymnastics & Ninja Academy is the Lord’s and we are only stewards of it.