Completed interior of Thornton’s Gymnastics Center in Webster, Texas, featuring a full men’s and women’s gymnastics training layout designed, ordered and installed by American Gymnast / Interactive Sports Group
When Thornton’s Gymnastics Center began planning their expansion into a brand-new facility, the goal was clear from the start: build a gym that could support elite training, long-term program growth, and in-house competitions — without compromise.
Owned by Todd Thornton, a 2005 USA National All-Around Champion and two-time USA Gymnastics World Championships Team Member, and his wife Kim Thornton, a former Houston Texans Cheerleader, the program is led by people who understand high-level athletics firsthand.
From Early Planning to Final Installation
Gymnastics Uneven Bars Installation
Gymnastics Quad Bars Installation
Todd and Kim engaged American Gymnast early in the planning phase of their expansion. That early collaboration allowed us to approach the project strategically — not simply as an equipment install, but as a full design-build partnership.
We began by designing the complete facility layout, ensuring efficient traffic flow for daily training while maintaining the flexibility required for hosting in-house competitions. From there, we evaluated how the new space could best support athletes across all disciplines.
Inventory, Equipment Selection, and Coordination
Each Pommel Horse utilizes 1/2 PH Competition Mat to have for hosted competitions, and is raised flush to FX for training
Once the layout was finalized, we conducted a full inventory of Thornton’s existing equipment that would transition into the new facility. This allowed us to identify gaps, avoid unnecessary duplication, and specify the exact new equipment needed to complete the gym.
All new equipment and competition landing mats were selected from AAI, ensuring consistency, durability, and performance across both men’s and women’s programs.
A Facility Designed for Every Program Level
Custom loose-foam pit designed for uneven bars, high bar, parallel bars, rod floor, and vault training.
2-color Pit Cubes were used to match Thornton's Gymnastics brand and provide better visual cues for landing
A major feature of the new facility is a large custom loose foam pit engineered to serve multiple events. This design maximizes space efficiency while giving coaches and athletes flexibility across skill development and progressions.
The pit supports:
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Uneven Bars
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High Bar
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Parallel Bars
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Rod Floor
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Vault training
This multi-use approach allows the gym to grow without reconfiguring the space as programs evolve.
Increased Capacity with Dual Floor Exercise Areas
Two full floor exercise areas increase training capacity for boys, girls and rec/preschool gymnastics programs.
By incorporating two full floor exercise areas, the facility can accommodate more athletes simultaneously while maintaining proper spacing and safety. This layout supports higher training volume without sacrificing quality or coaching visibility.
Dedicated Preschool and Recreation Programming
Dedicated preschool and recreation gymnastics area designed for early athlete development and safe skill introduction.
A clearly defined preschool and recreation area ensures younger athletes have a space designed specifically for their needs. This separation allows beginner programs to thrive while keeping the main training floor focused on competitive development.
Built on Relationships, Not Just Equipment
From left to right: Sean Townsend (Olympian & World Champion), Todd Thornton (USA All-Around Champ & World Team Member), Jay Thornton (World Team Member & Owner of American Gymnast), and Mike Dutka (World Team Member) during the Thornton’s Gymnastics Center installation.
While onsite during installation, longtime friends from the Houston gymnastics community stopped by to see the new facility. Visits from Sean Townsend and Mike Dutka served as a reminder that gymnastics facilities are built not just on equipment and layouts, but on relationships, shared experience, and trust!
A Turnkey Approach to Gym Expansion
Thornton’s Gymnastics Center new location is ready for practice!
Projects like Thornton’s Gymnastics Center highlight American Gymnast’s comprehensive approach to facility development. From initial design and equipment specification to installation and on-site support, our goal is to help gym owners build spaces that work — today and for years to come.
Project Location
Thornton’s Gymnastics Center
Webster, Texas
Interested in a New Gym or Facility Expansion?
If you’re planning a new gymnastics facility, expanding an existing space, or rethinking your current equipment layout, American Gymnast can help guide the process from concept to completion.
From facility design and equipment specification to installation and ongoing support, our team works alongside gym owners to build spaces that are functional, safe, and built for long-term success.
Contact us to start the conversation:
? Contact American Gymnast
Or call us:
? 877.789.2267
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