Submitted by Nancy Dowling
Since the August 2, 2025 fire which destroyed the building which was home to Flippers Gymnastics, owner Sarah Petersen has been fulfilling plans to rebuild and reopen.
With the concrete work completed in the fall, framing of the new structure commenced in late December with Doug DeShazer as the general contractor and Bill Potts handling the framing and exterior construction.
While the construction process is underway, Petersen has been using a 40x60 foot building on Summit Street in Yankton to hold classes. Petersen acknowledges that due to the limited space in the temporary facility, she has managed fewer students that she normally has in the Crofton gym.
When completed, the new gym will feature a 7,420 square foot area with 18 foot ceilings with a large portion of that space for students in the competition program. The main floor will house two locker rooms, an office and a sitting area for parents and visitors. An upper level will include space for recreation (younger students and beginners) classes, a play area and a sitting area. Additionally, Petersen is planning a 38x40 foot room on the building’s south side to be used for youth wrestling.
Bill Potts plans to have the structure enclosed by early February while Petersen estimates the new gym will be open sometime in June. At that time, new students will be welcome and there will be an open house for the Crofton community.
Petersen is looking forward to reopening and is grateful to the residents of Crofton for all of the encouragement and financial support.