"CONTINUING OUR FAMILY & TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE"

In 1999 we opened the Kidzplex facility. In 2019 we will open the state-of-the-art Legacy Gymnastics & Ninja Academy (formerly known as Grand Junction Gymnastics Academy and Kidzplex).

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 1995-6 pushed us over the building’s capacity. In January, 1999, we designed and constructed a 31,500 square foot Kidzplex facility and with over 70.

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 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.

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.

Competitive Gymnastics: Legacy

The name Legacy was chosen because we feel that we need to carry on our families tradition of excellence and service.  It is dedicated to Kerri's mom, Sharon Vaughn, who had a huge impact in our community.  From Kerri's Facebook post -  "2019 was the most difficult year of my life, losing my Mom. After she passed in March, Brian asked me if I wanted to continue the gym. I knew then that I wanted to continue my Mom’s Legacy. She loved serving others, and was the most loving and generous person I have ever known. She loved kids in our community, loving and supporting not only her kids and grandkids, but their friends. She 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 her kids or grand kids.  She was the best Mom and role model, and my purpose is to carry on her Legacy. This is why we chose the name Legacy Gymnastics Academy."  

Legacy Academy is also dedicated to Harlan and Alice Bensley, Brian's parents, who without their support financially, physically, and prayerfully this business would never have happened.

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.