Due to extensive maintenance issues found during a remodeling, the Gainesville Rock Gym in Gainesville, Florida was forced to closed down last week and may be forced to close permanently.
According to a GoFundMe page set up by the management of the rock gym:
“In mid-December of 2015 we started a project to re-build and expand one of our climbing walls. In doing so, we uncovered extensive concrete slab damage throughout the entire facility (See images below). The cracks were covered by layers of padding and carpet so we never knew what kind of damage was underneath. GSE, a local structural and soil engineering firm came to assess the damage. After testing numerous core samples they determined:
“Per our discussion with you based upon our findings from the concrete cores and hand augers performed at the site, GSE believes there is a safety hazard in regards to the concrete floor slab at the Gainesville Rock Gym. Voids were observed beneath the concrete slab throughout the building. We will prepare stabilization recommendations and forward them to you as soon as possible. These recommendations will consist of either underpinning the entire slab or chemically grouting the entire slab. Again, GSE believes there is a safety concern in regards to the conditions encountered and will exist until repairs are made or the slab is stabilized.”
Jason E. Gowland, P.E.
GSE Engineering and Consulting, Inc.
The rock gym has leased the building it resides in since its opening on January 1st, 2000. According to Jon Hawk who is an owner of Gainesville Rock Gym, the repairs for the concrete damage will be paid for by the landlord of the building. However the cost of closing the business for up to two months is solely on the backs of the rock gym.
That’s why the gym has set up the GoFundMe page with the hopes of raising up to $100,000 to cover to the costs of operation while the doors are shut. Hawk told CBJ that, “The 100k goal is the initial number but it is flexible. While we will be able to maintain the facility with less, we chose this number in anticipation of the need for a cushion from possible legal fees,” he said.
Even though the gym has been in business for 15 years, Hawk and his partner only bought into the business in 2013. “This was the best year, in terms of revenue, that GRG has had. Unfortunately our debt left us with little to get by on,” Hawk said. According to a Facebook response that Hawk wrote about the ownership change, “The transition ended up increasing our debt and we were just starting to recover this year. Our business insurance does not cover this situation and does not cover loss of revenue. We have been working on bringing in investors for over a year with no luck. We had no intention of “threatening a shutdown.” We just want to be completely transparent with the situation and are asking for help.”
Hawk has alluded to a permeant shut of the gym if the money can not be raised. “The need for the funds is immediate. Our reserve cash will not last long enough to get through the repair process,” Hawk said. He does believe he’ll raise at least part of the cash the gym needs to make it through the next few months and told CBJ, “Once the doors are back open business will go back to normal. Our membership renewals and kids/youth programs will keep us going.”
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!
