Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness celebrates new gym
The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness proudly opened its new, multipurpose gymnasium this week during a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
The construction of the gym was made possible by a $1 million gift from the Daniel J. Loepp Family Foundation, a private philanthropic family foundation based in Detroit.
Amy and Dan Loepp were in attendance along with Kirk Gibson leadership from KGC and the Kirk Gibson Foundation, and members of the center during the unveiling of the Robert A. Loepp Sr. Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, named in the honor of Dan’s late father who lived with Parkinson’s for more than a decade.
The 2,700-square-foot gym, which began construction in May, is located within the existing center, and will allow KGC to increase the number of classes and programs it offers for those living with Parkinson’s, particularly the PWR! Moves® (Parkinson Wellness Recovery) program.
Evidence-based approach
The program is a cornerstone of KGC’s evidence-based approach that focuses on improving mobility, balance, strength, and everyday movement through Parkinson’s-specific exercise.
The gift will also ensure continued support through the establishment of an endowment that will provide funds necessary to hire and train additional coaches and staff to run and maintain programs during a time of rapid expansion.
“This new multipurpose gymnasium will allow us to meet the needs of our rapidly growing membership, and I am grateful for Amy and Dan’s generosity which made this opening possible,” said Kirk Gibson.
“Watching my father face Parkinson’s showed us what real strength looks like, and it’s what led our family to this moment. We are grateful to the team at the Kirk Gibson Center for the difference they make in so many lives every day,” said Amy and Dan Loepp.
Exercise, education and community
“Expanding the center and naming this gymnasium in my father’s honor, is our way of saying thank you, and making sure that people living with Parkinson’s have a place to find the same strength,” said Dan Loepp.
KGC opened in October 2025 and is dedicated to redefining what it means to live with Parkinson’s disease through evidence-based exercise, education, and community.
KGC is the first of its kind in Michigan and is located at 31440 Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills. The wellness center is a world-class facility where those impacted by Parkinson’s can access a range of activity-based programs and social amenities, completely free of charge.
These programs focus on exercise, education, and social connection which underscores the mantra, “Movement Matters”.
InMotion Approach
The core programing is a series of activity-based programs that utilize the InMotion ApproachTM to provide an integrated, holistic system of wellness programs designed to counteract the symptoms of Parkinson’s and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.
KGC currently has over 1,000 Members actively participating in classes which far exceeds the original projection of 800 registered Members by the end of 2026. This unanticipated demand has prompted the Center to accelerate plans to expand capacity, and the new gymnasium will provide space for additional classes like PWR! MovesTM, Tai Chi, and Dance, as well as several others.
The new multipurpose gymnasium is now open and providing classes and training for KGC Members.
For more information about The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, becoming a member or volunteer, or to support the mission, please visit: www.KirkGibsonCenter.org
