New youth recreation center with indoor pool planned in O’Fallon
A youth-focused recreational center is planned for an undeveloped property along Old Collinsville Road in O’Fallon.
The facility will be the new home of Gateway Elite Gymnastics Center and will include an indoor swimming pool.
SAB Enterprises of Collinsville, the project’s owners, said the center aims to provide new athletic and educational opportunities for children and families.
A timeline for the project has not been set, as the city and CBB Transportation Engineers Planning must first complete a required traffic study.
“We are working and waiting on a traffic study,” said Laura Atwood, president of SAB Enterprises.
CBB is a regional traffic engineering and transportation planning consulting firm based in St. Louis.
Community development staff recommended approval, with the condition that the recommendations from the 2022 final traffic study—or a new study—must be incorporated into the development. Any recommended improvements along Old Collinsville Road must receive approval from St. Clair County.
“SAB is hoping to create a space that allows for both combined gymnastics and swim programs. With the continued growth of the area, we see a strong need for facilities where children can learn new skills, stay active, and truly enjoy their experiences,” Atwood said.
“Our goal is to offer a welcoming environment that supports development, confidence, and fun while meeting the needs of local families as the community continues to expand,” she said.
According to Community Development Director Greg Anderson, SAB currently leases the building at 5700 Old Collinsville Road through 2029. The new location will be next door, at 5634 Old Collinsville Road.
Earlier this month, the O’Fallon City Council approved the proposed zoning amendment. The development, occupying 2.35 acres, will feature a 5,333-square-foot stucco-over-brick indoor youth swimming facility and an 18,200-square-foot pre-engineered metal building for gymnastics and tumbling.
“The project’s intent is to expand community access to structured athletic programming that supports physical fitness, mental resilience and social well-being,” said city planner Abigail Cline.
Joe See of SAB Enterprises presented the proposal to the Planning Commission, which advanced it to the council with a 5-0 vote.
Programming will include learn-to-swim classes for all ages, lap lanes, and aquatic fitness and rehabilitation activities to enhance water safety education and provide recreational opportunities.
“SAB corporation has identified a strong need for a swim program in the area. After researching and consulting with established programs, we are confident in the value of this initiative and enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve the community,” Atwood said.
See told the commission they are working with neighboring property owners to address cross-access and traffic concerns, and have evaluated similar facilities in other states to understand potential traffic impacts.
The planning department’s report stated that the business would enhance water safety education and provide recreational options, including classes, competitive team programs, camps, clinics and school outreach services.
The site is on the east side of Old Collinsville Road, north of Frank Scott Parkway and south of Ashland Road.
Staff said the site plan provides adequate space for the building, parking, stormwater facilities and site circulation. Gateway Elite Gymnastics competes in USA Gymnastics-sanctioned events in Region 5, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio.