Climbing gyms are quite literally popping up all over the country — from Manhattan to San Francisco and points between, such as Pittsburgh, Memphis, Milwaukee and Salt Lake City. In Englewood, Colo., just outside of Denver, an old Sports Authority complex has been converted for indoor climbing. In Durham, N.C., a big box built for Walmart and never filled became a commercial climbing destination. “On the renovation side, there’s this push toward all the dead strip malls,” says Adam Koberna, president of Walltopia USA, a climbing wall manufacturer. “Everyone is popping roofs on the dead retail.”
…Read more at Athletic Business about the current state of climbing design with viewpoints from gym owners and wall builders. Topics include how much space you’ll need, air handling, load bearing buildings, flooring and lighting.
Climbing Business Journal is an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. Here you will find the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting. Have an article idea? CBJ loves to hear from readers like you!
