(left to right) Ashley Lanier, Brianna Mitchell, Lori Patterson and Corriebeth Russell are partnering to help rebuild the Chilton County YMCA gymnastics program. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

The gymnastics program at the Chilton County YMCA has taken a huge step forward in rekindling its proud heritage by partnering with Legacy Gymnastics in Pelham.

Since September, one of Legacy’s staff members has been coming to the YMCA once a week to begin introducing the curriculum.

The partnership will officially go into full effect on Jan. 2, 2017.

“The expectation is to get the Chilton County YMCA gymnastics program back up to what it has been in the past,” Legacy Gymnastics owner Brianna Mitchell said.

The program will consist of recreational levels, with a child transferring to the Pelham location once they reach a competitive level.

“Right now our main focus is on our cheer/tumbling program and recreational gymnastics,” Mitchell said. “That’s not to say that a change won’t be made in the future.”

Gymnasts will be broken down into classifications ranging from 18 months old with a “mommy and me” segment and continuing with different levels through high school age.

Classes will be offered for boys and girls, as well as the inclusion of a cheer program.

Corriebeth Russell and Ashley Lanier will be the primary instructors in the program, with assistance from Anna Smith.

“We have gymnasts that want to cheer once they hit middle and high school,” Russell said. “Now they will truly have that option.”

The YMCA has had a gymnastics program for about two decades and has a 5,500 square-foot facility.

“They had a nice sized competitive program and over time that has dwindled a little bit,” Mitchell said. “We need a gymnastics and cheer program in this area that parents can feel is challenging and fun. We have families that drive to Pelham from Chilton County.”

Mitchell founded Legacy Gymnastics along with her husband Steven. The couple has been teaching gymnasts since 2007.

According to Mitchell, it is not routine to have a partnership like this, but believes it should benefit everyone involved. She looks to tap into the potential that is there with five elementary schools in the surrounding area.

An open house will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the YMCA.