Surrounded by the high desert landscape and a stunning view of the Cascade Mountain range, the bouldering area at the new Alpenglow Community Park in Bend, Oregon, opened to the public this summer. The pre-casted and custom-built boulders―installed by EP USA―include both natural routes and routes set with climbing holds. The routes vary in difficulty, offering climbs for people of all ages and abilities. EP also integrated accessible routes with rope assist climbing hardware for adaptive climbers and climbers with disabilities, making the recreational opportunity open to all.
Innovative Play
As park and recreation departments look for more ways to inspire people to take advantage of green spaces, manufactured climbing structures are quickly becoming the solution of choice. Bringing climbing into new play environments encourages more parents, children, youth and teens to participate in the rapidly growing sport, get active, and make connections. Aside from family play, climbing is a uniquely community driven sport, providing a context for people of all ages to socialize at the park’s boulders.
By contributing to outdoor fields of play, like the Alpenglow Community Park, EP aims to both support the growth of climbing as well as create long-term value for the communities.
“Alpenglow is a community park that has something for everyone, regardless of age or ability, and it is already serving as the community hub of connection that we had hoped it would be,” said Ian Isaacson, BPRD landscape architect and project manager. “I collaborated with an incredible team to see Alpenglow go from the drawing board to reality, especially the design and construction of the bouldering area. Having a partner like EP climbing on the team enabled us to create a wonderful amenity that will be enjoyed by generations of Central Oregonians.”
The addition of climbing structures, such as the new boulders at Alpenglow, can be a welcome change of pace for a local park and its users. Climbing provides communities with meaningful opportunities for play and physical activity, while incorporating problem solving and fostering social connections.
For more information on EP climbing walls, holds and services, visit www.epclimbing.com or call 541-388-5463.
EP Climbing is a pioneer in the climbing wall and accessories industry, designing, manufacturing and installing custom solutions for the sport of climbing around the world. EP is active in a variety of markets: from commercial climbing gyms to school & university walls to complex structures for regional/national/international competitions, tactical training, and outdoor parks. EP offers solutions that cater to every environment, climber, and climbing discipline. Built in Bend, OR since 1988.
