Gymnastics academy to open in Scotts Valley

A gymnastics academy is on the horizon for Scotts Valley.
The only one of its kind in the city, the school aims to offer youths and adults alike a flipping good time, owner Vernon Vargas said.
The Vargas Academy of Gymnastic Arts is slated to open next month at 1300 Green Hills Road. The new 5,000-square-foot gym is for children as young as 18 months up through adults, and it can serve up to 700 students.
“There’s definitely a need for more youth activities in Scotts Valley,” Vargas said. “I’m really excited; my dreams are coming true, finally.”
The gym will offer classes in preschool gymnastics, tumbling and trampoline work, cheer, parkour and aerial arts, as well as teen and adult classes, competitive teams, birthday parties and open gym time, Vargas said.
“Parkour is really cool. It’s basically running, jumping and flipping off walls, buildings and poles,” Vargas said. “It’s really popular. MTV recently aired a show that featured parkour.”
Vargas started in gymnastics at the ripe age of 6. After 11 years of competitive gymnastics, he made the transition to coaching. Most recently, he trained students at Santa Cruz Sports Central for three years as the director of the facility’s tumbling and trampoline program.
“I wanted to start my own gymnastics facility, because I have been coaching gymnastics for over 20 years,” Vargas said. “It’s about time, and I am so excited.”
At a glance
• WHAT: Vargas Academy of Gymnastic Arts opens in Scotts Valley
• WHEN: Soft opening, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1; grand opening, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 13
• WHERE: 1300 Green Hills Road
• INFO: 438-8242 or www.vargasacademy.com