By Olivia Hoar
Tucked away off Main street in Corona California is a local gem that has just begun to make its mark on the kids of Corona. From the outside, Rising Star Kids Gym might look like just another building. But step inside, and you’re transported into a vibrant, ocean-themed wonderland—complete with a zipline, ball pit, and sensory-friendly play areas—designed with one mission in mind: to give every child, regardless of ability, a safe and joyful place to play and grow.
Rising Star Gym is a welcoming space for all children, with the concept of the sensory playground created by the owner Ronika and inspired by a family member who has autism. In order to respect the privacy of this family member she will be referred to as Emma. Ronika shared that whenever she took Emma out, they noticed there was no place that could both keep Emma safe and provide the right level of stimulation.
Ronika took Emma to a trampoline park, but the crowded environment was loud and overwhelming, and Emma was easy to lose in the busy space. Later, when Ronika brought Emma to a gymnastics class, the large gym proved difficult to manage, as Emma would often run off.
During a family vacation that included a plane ride, Emma was stimming when a stranger told Ronika to “shut the kid up.” It was at that moment that Ronika realized not only was there nowhere for Emma to go, but also that many people lack an understanding of the challenges autistic children and their families face. That’s when Ronika decided to take matters into her own hands and the idea for Rising Star Kids Gym was born.
This inclusive indoor playground provides gymnastics classes geared towards kids with special needs in an enclosed environment. They are partnered with 8 charter schools and the Corona/Norco Unified School District for special education field trips. Rising Star Kids Gym is part of the Self Determination Program also known as the SDP. The SDP provides eligible members with funding for services catered for their family members needs and they can pay for Rising Star Kids Gym provisions with that financial support.
The gym hosts special events and frequently organizes its own activities for the community. The gym often holds educational events with hosts that include occupational therapists, doctors, and they even recently organized an event that was hosted by “Blippi”. Ronika’s dream was to create a safe, judgment-free space filled with resources for families with members who have special needs.
While she has successfully built a place for Emma, she aims to continue growing and ultimately reach even more families. She hopes to one day get a bigger facility where therapy services could be held in a private room and parents could enjoy a cup of coffee while their children play. Ronika has big hopes and dreams for Rising Star Kids Gym but her biggest struggle running this small business is funding. She is determined to keep her doors open, despite the challenges of securing funding and navigating the complex process of forming partnerships.
Despite the challenges Ronika faces, her commitment to her mission remains unwavering. Through her efforts, she has not only created a safe space for Emma but also laid the foundation for expanding her vision to help more families in the future. Ronika’s passion and resilience continue to drive her as she works toward making a lasting impact on the neighborhood. Rising Star Kids Gym is truly a local gem in the city of Corona and welcomes all members of the community. Feel free to stop by if you’re ever in town and want to enjoy a fun filled adventure with your kiddos.
