Building on tradition at The Edge 18
The creators of the award-winning New Castle Dance & Music Academy introduce active family fun in a fabulous setting.
So much more than single offering, The Edge 18 is the place to be in Middletown. Whether you’re looking for exceptional dance instruction, a relaxing afternoon in a private club pool, or a venue to hold an unforgettable family event, the best of Middletown happens at The Edge 18.
Entrepreneur Valerie Gooding purchased six acres of the Frog Hollow property in Middletown to transform it into a vibrant, one-stop center offering family fitness and fun.
The Edge 18 includes a large ballroom, pool and pool house, tennis courts and playground.
Photo Credit: Suchat Pederson, The News Journal-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Edge 18 was created to serve as a daylong destination for families: fitness classes or a round of golf for the grownups, dance and voice lessons for the kids, swimming lessons and fun for all in the pool, followed by family dinner at the club’s restaurant to wrap up an active day.
Family-run and family-focused
At the heart of The Edge’s mission is giving families opportunities to enjoy activities in the arts and movement while creating lasting memories. With the tranquil setting surrounding the property, The Edge is a vibrant community hub for Middletown’s busy families.
Instead of driving to several locations for lessons, families can save valuable time and head to The Edge for classes that appeal to all ages. Parents can get or stay fit with Zumba, Insanity Live, Silver Sneakers, Pilates, strength training, golf, swimming, dance and social dancing.
Valerie’s daughters, Dana Parkinson and Heather Meginniss, are involved in running The Edge 18 and the New Castle Dance & Music Academy.
Children can enjoy the playground or participate in lessons ranging including dance, musical instruments, musical theater, vocal instruction, gymnastics, cheer, jujitsu, golf, and swimming, all with an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.
How the vision began
Valerie hails from the Torresdale section of Philadelphia. Her mother loved to dance and nurtured in Valerie a respect for dance. Her father founded Kirkwood Soccer Club soon after moving to Delaware. The eldest of eight children, Valerie learned many lessons from extraordinary parents, who sparked in her a career that for decades would continue to exemplify wholesome family values.
Each summer, Valerie’s family attended a golf and swim club that strengthened the sense of community with activities for all family members, from fireworks to swimming lessons, luaus, league volleyball and golfing. Her childhood inspired her as an entrepreneur.
She brings to Middletown more than 40 years of successful business experience. The New Castle Dance & Music Academy, which she started in 1978, was named the U.S. Small Business Administration Family Business of the Year in 2014.
Valerie’s vision is bigger, better and broader for The Edge 18.