Docksiders Gymnastics Offers Balancing Act Between Competition And Education

By Meredith Thompson

Bob and Kim Ouellette, owners of Docksiders Gymnastics, somersaulted into town when they bought the existing acrobatics business in 1994. Until they sold their gymnasium in Gaithersburg in 1998, Bob ran the business solo.

“The gym already had a huge following when we bought it,” Kim said. “We sold the Gaithersburg gym so we could concentrate on one location – it became more about quality than quantity.”

Since their purchase, the Ouellettes have established one of the most solid and well-known gymnastics businesses in the county, expanding their class program from 300 to over 1,000 students. Docksiders offers nearly 20 different programs for girls and boys of all ages – from 18 months with parent participation to adulthood.

Kim, who holds a bachelor’s degree in dance and a master’s in early childhood education, stressed the level of competition Docksiders students can achieve. “We’ve put 68 kids across the country on full gymnastics scholarships,” she beamed.

“That’s the most unique thing about our business,” added Bob, who earned his bachelor’s in recreation and business. “It’s one of few gymnastics programs to offer a wide range [of opportunities] for beginners to serious competitors. Kids have even tried out for the Olympics.”

The Ouellettes, who also competed in college gymnastics, are not all about bringing home the gold. They offer a comprehensive preschool program designed to help each child succeed and smile at an individual pace, Kim explained.

Back flips and high beams aside, the Ouellettes and their three children — Stephen, Stephanie and Robby — understand the importance of community involvement. In addition to membership in the Anne Arundel County chamber of commerce, Bob and Kim participate in activities throughout the year, including walks for the cure, and promote the same involvement at the gym, supporting the Special Olympics and holding a breast cancer awareness week.

The Howard County couple, who are grateful for the opportunity to embrace a different community than the one in which they live, love that Severna Park is close-knit. “The people are knowledgeable about all the local activities,” Bob observed. “They want their kids to excel and do well, so they look for positive and rewarding activities. It’s a strong, structured community.”

For more information about the Ouellettes, Docksiders Gymnastics, or the programs they offer, visit www.docksidersgymnastics.com.