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We Rock the Spectrum – Up North, a gym ‘for all kids,’ will hold its grand opening November 9 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and the whole community is invited. Located behind the U.P. State Fairgrounds, in the Penstar building, the new gym features equipment that stimulates the seven senses and helps kids grow.
“We really do play with a purpose,” said gym owner Carmella, who shares ownership of the space with her daughters Kristy and Kaylee.
It was because of Kristy’s young son, Apollo, that the trio felt compelled to open the gym. When Apollo turned four last year, Kristy explained there was no space that felt right to hold his birthday.
“It was very, very challenging trying to find a place for him to be himself,” said Kristy. After that experience, she and her family embarked on a mission to create a space where he could celebrate his birthday in a space that felt right.
We Rock the Spectrum – Up North has a birthday party room. It also has a calming room decorated with a space theme that was voted on by the Escanaba community.
Some of the equipment highlights at the gym include a zipline, a rock wall, a trampoline and swings that help kids develop coordination skills.
It was because of Kristy’s young son, Apollo, that the trio felt compelled to open the gym. When Apollo turned four last year, Kristy explained there was no space that felt right to hold his birthday.
“It was very, very challenging trying to find a place for him to be himself,” said Kristy. After that experience, she and her family embarked on a mission to create a space where he could celebrate his birthday in a space that felt right.
We Rock the Spectrum – Up North has a birthday party room. It also has a calming room decorated with a space theme that was voted on by the Escanaba community.
Some of the equipment highlights at the gym include a zipline, a rock wall, a trampoline and swings that help kids develop coordination skills.
Since teens with special needs will make use of the facility in addition to children, most of the equipment can support an adult weight, and the owners say they are planning special programming geared for older kids and young teens.
While the gym is not a licensed daycare, they will offer several programs that the community can learn more about at the grand opening event.
One of those programs, says Kristy, is a ‘parents’ night out’ event.
“We want to plan a parents’ night out…and give parents some free time and know their children are safe, taken care of, learning and growing,” explained Kristy.
Carmella added that the gym will also offer respite care, and Kaylee commented that the owners hope to also connect parents and caregivers with local therapists through the gym.
The women are contacting therapists and doctors in the area ahead of the grand opening celebration, with the hopes that the event’s attendees can connect with local providers.
During the grand opening event, there will also be food trucks, games and prizes, and the owners say, they will offer discounts on gym pricing.
For $16 per child, kids at the grand opening get two hours of playtime on the equipment. There is no cost for parents in attendance.
For more information about the We Rock the Spectrum franchise and the new “Up North” location’s programing, click here.
