Buffalo Valley Recreation Authority

★Jessica

Disgusting comments from John about children with disabilities and when messaged about the incident the staff got nasty through messenger. If staff can't direct children or keep active children engaged then they need better or more staff. Wouldn't reccomend trusting these people with your children. Please reach out to better staffed and positively oriented facilities in the area. Positive reviews below are from staff. Enough said.😬 Also, to the response they have listed below I have had a name change since my experience with you which would explain why I do not show in your records. Whilst I appreciate your response it does not answer the concerns I listed and instead attempts to discount my credibility which furthers the unprofessional actions of your business.

★★★★★Julie Gross

My daughter has been to other gyms. This was by far the best gym with the best coaches. My daughter spent about 10 years of her life learning from John Rowe. Never once did I have an issue there. EVER. Nor did I see issues with other children. Try other gyms. You’d leave in a day. I’m appalled by these horrible comments. There just so happened to be many students with numerous disabilities that did just fine with his coaching. He has all the patience and kindness in the whole world. He loves his students. And so do all the coaches. I just so happen to have a son with autism who came to the gym to watch. John acknowledged him with kind words every single time. It’s not the kids who have issues with John, it’s parents who don’t get that he looks out for the safety of your child first and foremost. If they’re not ready to move forward, they’re not ready. I would recommend this gym and these coaches to every child. Every single one. Much love to them. My daughter just so happened to place first on the floor at Penn State in gymnastics club. Who do you think got her there? Her coaches, their hard work as well as hers, and their love for the sport and the kids. Take it from someone who spent years and years there. This gym and these coaches exceeded expectations in every way. and are loved by parents and kids alike!!! I’ve never seen disrespect from any one of them ever. Don’t listen to negativity and hatred. That’s all it is. Love BV Rec and always will. ❤️👍🏼

★★★★★Sarah Shipman

My daughter attended BVRA and was a member of the Energy gymanstics team for years. John and team were always loving and professional. Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed her time with the staff. We highly recommend the gym. Coming from an awful gym about 20 miles North of BVRA, we have seen how coaches can be abusive to their gymnasts. When we switched to Energy, we could not believe the difference that positive coaching has on an athlete!

★Sara Ansell

I am absolutely appalled by the John Rowe and his comments about children with disabilities. My son has ADHD and even though there was one female staff who was great with him, the rest of the staff was not accommodating or understandable of his hyperactivity and struggles with focus. By the end of the program, he did not even want to attend anymore. I understand saying a child might not be able to advance to a higher level, but how about having more compassion and making adaptations so the child can still participate in gymnastics. I am so grateful the parent who experienced this terrible treatment made these comments public! Based off of all the recent reviews I guess the gym will be losing a ton of business.

★Kyley Hamilton

Have no concern for children with disabilities such as add and adhd along with other issues. There are tons of other gyms around that are so much better equipped trainers and nicer staff. You should really watch what your staff sends out in texts, if they’re going to be ignorant they should stick to doing it in person so it doesn't haunt your gym.