Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — Bridget Johnson, also known by many as Coach Bridget, may be a little dizzy, but not from somersaults. It’s most likely attributed to her success these days, which might feel like a whirlwind.

She’s got athletes and novices alike doing flips over the opening of her new business in downtown Negaunee, West End Gymnastics

Johnson, who has been coaching since she was 14, is best known for her work with west end schools as well as her cheerleading and varsity gymnastics experience in the Marquette Area Public Schools. But her experience in gymnastics goes beyond all the years she has spent coaching.

Over all that time, Johnson has discovered that finding appropriate spaces to practice or perform could sometimes represent a hurdle to advancing the sport in the region.

“The unfortunate situation with gymnastics is that school sports come first for the use of the gyms, which makes total sense. Being a smaller program, we are thankful for any gym access we receive. However, those times can be very challenging for both student and parents’ schedules,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s drive to open her own space came from her own personal experiences as a kid growing up in Negaunee.

“It was difficult to participate in gymnastic opportunities, most of them are located in Marquette. Nothing really on the west end”, Johnson said.

The lack of access for athletes on the west end of Marquette County was exacerbated by the fact that there were no local spaces dedicated to this graceful sport.

Johnson decided the time was now to provide both expert access and dedicated space for her beloved sport in her home community, but that wasn’t without a little hesitation.

But continuing to teach the art of gymnastics had always been Johnson’s dream.

“I thought this was just an idea,” Johson said. “let’s see what others will say.”

Like a perfect landing on a balance beam, every corner she turned her idea was welcomed! Her accountant, her bank, even the space. Everything aligned, once an idea, now would soon be her new reality.

Johnson had projected 50-students for her new venture. It turns out those modest estimates were blown away – to date, well over 200 athletes registered.

Johnson says they are working on creating a website, obviously she has her hands full with the influx of students. For now, the hours of operations and classes offered at West End Gymnastics can be found on the businesses Facebook page.

She hopes her future brings new opportunities for Negaunee athletes and novices alike. Maybe that includes additional space where she and coaches like her can expand offerings and teach gymnastics at all levels.

Johnson is excited to be a part of the changes Negaunee is going through, especially in Downtown.

“I like how downtown is becoming more family friendly,” she said. “New businesses and activities are very welcoming, we are happy to be part of this movement.”

Perhaps the motto on West End Gymnastics’ windows says it best. Passerby can see it from Iron Street — “Be Brave, Be Kind, Be Bold.”

The three phrases embody something special, not only for this center, but for any business venture in Negaunee’s thriving downtown.

A little girl’s dream of learning and thriving in the sport of gymnastics, turned into a real thriving business, where that dream has come true.

Johnson, is not just a coach, not just a business owner, but a local expert who is providing real opportunities for children growing up on the west end of Marquette County to live and grow.

West End Gymnastics is located at 211 Iron St., upstairs above 1844 in the City Center.

Check out what Coach Bridget Johnson has to offer, as she not only forges her own adventure, but shapes the future of west end athletics.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Nate Heffron is city manager of the city of Negaunee.