The Athletic Edge

OVERVIEW

The Athletic Edge is a non-profit gymnastics and youth development organization in Salem, Oregon, founded in 1996 by Walt and Jacque Wagner, who sold their wedding rings to secure their first lease in Dallas, Oregon and built the program from the ground up into one of the Willamette Valley’s most comprehensive and beloved youth activity destinations. Today the Athletic Edge serves more than 1,150 athletes across gymnastics, ninja warrior, tumbling and trampoline, special needs programming, and a full-scholarship program, reflecting the Wagners’ original dream of providing every family in the community with access to safe, high-quality, and adventure-filled youth programming.

The Athletic Edge is a genuinely full-service youth development destination: in addition to its gymnastics and movement programs, the campus includes the Athletic Edge Learning Center (a private preschool for ages 3 through 5), the Athletic Edge Adventure Park (an indoor family fun center with a three-story play structure, miniature golf, golf simulator, games, and a cafe with food, espresso, and local brews), and an events venue for birthday parties, camps, and family events. Few gymnastics organizations in Oregon offer the breadth of programming and community impact that the Athletic Edge delivers.

THE GYM

The Athletic Edge operates from its expanded campus at 1379 Madison Street NE in Salem, Oregon, providing Willamette Valley families with access to a gymnastics facility, preschool, and adventure park complex that is one of the most distinctive youth activity campuses in the Pacific Northwest. The gymnastics facility has undergone significant expansion and features equipment for girls and boys gymnastics from beginner levels through competitive Level 10, alongside ninja warrior courses, tumbling and trampoline areas, and a full parent viewing gallery.

The coaching staff at the Athletic Edge reflects the organization’s values all coaches undergo background checks, ongoing training, and USA Gymnastics certification, with special needs classes led by specialized staff who provide every child a free trial class to ensure the program is a good fit. The gym’s full-scholarship program ensures that financial barriers do not prevent any child in the Salem community from participating.

PROGRAMS AT THE GYM

Kinder and Preschool Gymnastics Walking Age to 5

The Athletic Edge Kinder program for walking age through 5 years is structured by age, with children progressing through developmentally appropriate gymnastics skill development at each stage. The Athletic Edge Learning Center preschool for ages 3 through 5 is available separately, providing before and after school care in addition to the core preschool curriculum.

Classes run Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. To inquire about current class schedules and enrollment, please call (503) 361-2344 or visit athleticedge.org.

Hours

Monday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Recreational and Competitive Gymnastics Girls and Boys Through Level 10

The Athletic Edge offers recreational gymnastics classes for children ages 6 through 17 based on skill level, progressing through a structured curriculum toward competitive Level 10. Boys and girls programs are offered separately, with competitive team athletes training under USAG-certified coaches at all levels of the Junior Olympic and development programs.

Ninja Warrior, Tumbling, Special Needs, and Adventure Park

The Athletic Edge Ninja Warrior program is available for children ages 4 and up, with obstacle courses designed to build coordination, strength, and agility in a dynamic and high-energy format. Special needs gymnastics classes are offered with dedicated specialized coaches, a full-scholarship program provides access for all families, and the Athletic Edge Adventure Park offers a family-friendly environment for open play, parties, and community events throughout the year.

Contact and Location