In the decline of Springfield’s machine tool industry, Edgar May, for whom this facility is named, saw an opportunity to revitalize the community with the creation of a health and recreation center. From 1997 to 2006, Edgar worked tirelessly to campaign, fundraise, and recruit volunteers to build the recreation center. He was particularly passionate about serving both youth and seniors in the community and creating a space that welcomed everyone.

In October 1999, the Southern Vermont Health and Recreation Center Foundation was incorporated in the State of Vermont. In April of the following year, the foundation was awarded 501(c)3 nonprofit status.

In October 2000, Charlestown residents, Stanley and Helen Patch, deeded the Foundry building to the Foundation to be used as the site for the recreation center.

After years of campaigning and planning, the Foundation held an official Ground Breaking ceremony in April of 2005. Construction begin in June of that year.

In February of 2006 the iconic arches that support the large pool deck roof were erected, showcasing more visual progress above ground. By May, the roof fully covered the space, and the cement foundations of the lap, wading, and therapy pools were poured.

Work continued through the summer and fall, and then by early December the pools were being filled, interior work was being completed, and the Southern Vermont Health and Recreation Center was preparing to finally open.

On December 31, 2006, the Southern Vermont Health and Recreation Center held a free "Splash Day" for Springfield children to be the first to swim in the new pools.

Then on January 1, 2007, the SVHRC officially opened its doors to the community. That same month, SVHRC incorporated the Springfield youth swim team, the Connecticut River Valley Stingrays, into the facility.

SVHRC launches First Fins, a program that invites Springfield First Grade students to participate in a free month of group swim lessons. The goal of this program was to teach safe behaviors around any body of water as well as grow confidence in and around water and inspire love of the sport.

Many of the students who participate in the First Fins program continue to take swim lessons each month and progress through the swim levels. Some have even continued on to join our swim team or become lifeguards or swim instructors themselves.

To this day, group swim lessons for youth are offered each month, and the EdgarMay's dedication to the First Fins program continues for the next generation of swimmers.

Interested in bringing First Fins to other elementary schools in our region? Contact Christian Craig at ccraig@edgarmay.org to learn more.

In June of 2009, Southern Vermont Health and Recreation Center is renamed to the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center (the EdgarMay, for short) to honor Edgar May for his life of service and his dedication to making the center become a reality.

Edgar believed our community deserved a place where children could learn and grow, older adults could remain active and independent, and families could come together regardless of their financial circumstances. He often spoke of creating “a place where people will be on the inside looking out— not on the outside looking in.”

That belief became our foundation and 20 years later it remains at the heart of everything we do. Learn more about Edgar here.

Seeing a need for additional floor space for group fitness classes, the EdgarMay launches Studio Momentum on at 71 Main Street in downtown Springfield. The addition of the studio space allows the EdgarMay to offer land-based fitness classes daily. Popular classes over the years have included spin, yoga, Zumba, pilates, kickboxing, step classes, dance, tai chi, and TRX.

Studio Momentum also provides an indoor space space for our Studio Open Playgroup where toddlers and their parents or guardians can run, swing, tumble, and play actively together.

The EdgarMay launches the Youth & Family Department to focus on providing families and children the opportunities to engage in active, enriching, and healthy events.

The Springfield Hospital and the EdgarMay combine forces to bring the Fastest Kid in Town race to Springfield. Children ages 5 to 12 race in either a 100- or 200-yard dash, competing for fastest boy and girl in their age group. All participants receive a t-shirt, and the top runners in their age group receive medals and accolades.

This fun, free race is meant to raise awareness about the importance of fitness and physical activity for young children.

The EdgarMay takes over the planning and logistics of the Springfield Dam Run, a large community event originally started by Joe Cerniglia Jr. After going through his own journey from inactive to active, Joe started the 4-mile race over the Springfield Dam to encourage others to begin their own active journey.

The EdgarMay carried forward the Dam Run's purpose as the event is promoted as an opportunity for family and friends to come together, run or walk the route, and be engaged with their community in an active, healthy way.

Despite challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, the EdgarMay found creative ways to promote health and wellness through virtual classes and protective measures within the facility with the support of members and the greater community to keep our doors open.

The EdgarMay opens the 40-foot rock climbing tower and fenced-in turf space, allowing for the creation of camps, teambuilding, and outdoor programming.

The EdgarMay receives $1.3 million Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development Brownfield Grant to begin Environmental Remediation of the Foundry Building.

With funding provided by ARPA Wellness Initiative Grant, the EdgarMay launches a free Slow Aqua beginner aquatic-based class and land-based Move to Improve fitness class. These classes are alwasy free to EdgarMay members and the community.

The EdgarMay launches Adventure Summer Camp, a weeklong day camp for youth ages 6 to 14 with climbing, swimming, learning, and exploration.

With a $10,000 community impact grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, the EdgarMay launched an Adaptive Swim Lessons program for youth and adults with a physical or developmental disability.

Through a Couch Foundation Grant, the EdgarMay launches Kids Fit, a low-cost youth fitness program where kids learn healthy habits and that fitness can be fun.

Recognizing that household costs, family dynamics, and caregiving responsibilities have evolved, the EdgarMay introduces the household membership category and adult add-ons to better serve our community.