We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym prides itself on offering something for children of all ability levels and providing an environment that promotes growth and fun for those with sensory-processing disorders, said owners Andrew and Kara Magistri of Fenton.
They are the third owners of the gym at 2075 Bentley Plaza Drive in Fenton. The pair bought the space on Jan. 1, with the purpose of offering an inclusive indoor playground space for children, including their 4-year-old son, Jonas Magistri, who was diagnosed with autism in the fall of 2022. The said his diagnosis inspired them to buy the gym and keeping it open to serve both those who are neurodiverse or neurotypical.
“When we found out that he had autism and we saw the gym was for sale, we thought to ourselves, ‘We can’t let the possibility of this thing close,’” Andrew Magistri said. “This place is the best place for our kiddo, which means on a broader scale, it’s the best place for a lot of kiddos. A lot of children in this community need this place.”
The two recently renovated the 4,500-square foot gym, an open-floor facility that showcases a wide variety of equipment for children with sensory-processing disorders. Some of the equipment includes swings, a zip line, a trampoline, crash mats and an indoor play structure, as well as an arts and crafts space.
Andrew Magistri said the equipment helps children improve gross motor skills and encourages them to try out a lot of activities. The gym also includes a calming room for children who need a break, along with an interactive projector.
“This is a place where adults can watch their kid have fun, (and) they can interact to whatever degree they feel appropriate,” Magistri said. “It’s an amazing facility from the connections that are made, and that is really what separates the gym from other facilities in the area.”
Magistri said that while the gym embraces those with neurological disabilities, like autism, it is an inclusive space for all children looking for an interactive environment.
“What’s miraculous about a place like this is those same kids, both the neurodiverse and the neurotypical kids, are learning to interact with one another at such a young age … so they’re learning how to be tolerant of being around one another,” he said.
Magistri said equipment at the gym is designed for children 11 and younger. He also said children who can’t walk will not be able to experience the entire facility.
We Rock The Spectrum Kids Gym offers a two-hour open play option for $15 per child. Open play hours range from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 3-6 p.m. on weekends. After 4 p.m. on weekdays, the gym allows children to play for $7 per child. There also is a “toddler time” for children 1 through 4 from 8-10 a.m. on Saturdays.
Adults and children 11 months and younger may participate for free.
Monthly memberships are available, as are packages that give children an opportunity to visit three times for $42, five times for $65 or 12 times for $140.
Information about birthday parties, summer camps, fundraisers and special events may be found on the gym’s website at werockthespectrumfentonmo.com or its Facebook page.
Magistri said his wife, a former educator, runs the day-to-day operations. The couple has three children, including Jonas, Dani, 2, and Reese, 1.
