With about 500 youngsters enrolled in tumbling and trampoline programs, the Eiche Turners of Tinley Park recently opened a second practice space at 8500 W. 191st St. in Mokena.
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Director Gail White said the basement practice space in the Tinley Park building at 16767 Oak Park Ave. was too small for older tumblers.
“The high school kids were hitting their heads [on the ceiling],” White said.
Preparing the new building for tumbling and trampoline classes was a volunteer effort. Parents cleaned, painted, attached carpeted foam to the walls and installed trampolines, White said.
Such contributions are key to the success of Eiche Turners, said the group’s president, Steve Medrow.
“Basically we’re a not-for-profit organization. Our mission is what our motto is: `A sound mind in a sound body.’ They go hand in hand,” Medrow said.
From the German immigrants who opened the first Eiche Turner Hall 110 years ago in Chicago’s Roseland neighborhood to the suburban families who gather at the current halls in Tinley Park and Mokena, the goal has remained constant, said longtime member Bob Buttala Sr. of Tinley Park.
Three generations of his family have been part of the organization, Buttala said.
“It’s a great family organization. Turners are like a big family. Forty-two years I’ve been here,” he said.
Although the Turners provide advanced training and field competitive teams, White said skill building is more important than competition.
“We want to train every child. We don’t just key in on the talented child,” White said.
Though the 2-year-olds in the mom-and-tot classes and the 3-year-olds in the introductory classes will not all become gymnasts, they will develop confidence, motor skills and body awareness, White said.
Trampoline instructor Jason Diepen said trampoline training “teaches aerial awareness and helps strength and coordination.”
JoAnn Gunderson of Mokena, who has three children in the program, sees the physical advantages.
“They use muscles they don’t ordinarily use,” she said.
But the benefits are social too. “It keeps them involved, keeps them active and not at the television,” she said.
“They’ve got good friends who are involved.”
Youngsters have simpler reasons for signing up.
“I always watch the Olympics,” said Jessica Esparza, 9, of Tinley Park.
“I like doing flip-flops and floor [exercises]. I like the bouncing mats,” said Kelly Boyle, 9, of Orland Park.
Maureen Cachey, 9, of Tinley Park has her eye on the future. “I want to do cheerleading when I get older and to have fun,” she said.
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