New Climbing Wall Takes Shape

Fourth phase of renovation is under way

By Chi Harris

For the past nearly 20 years, MAC’s Climbing Gym has seen consistent growth in its usage and has been the training ground for a flourishing competitive climbing program that has landed the club on the podium at world-level competitions. As its popularity continued to increase since the last major renovation, in the summer of 2013, it became abundantly clear that it was time for another renovation.

Last summer, Outdoor Manager Chad Failla and Climbing Head Coach Drew White began discussing updates with Entre-Prises (EP), a climbing wall builder headquartered in Bend. “Working with EP has been seamless,” says White. “They have been with us each step of the way during the COVID shutdown. Working with a local company has really provided a personal touch and added tremendous value to move us forward.”

In response to member feedback, the biggest priorities for Failla and White are getting rid of the old-style climbing walls from the 2008 expansion and bringing the space in line with current standards and trends in the indoor climbing-wall industry.

“The existing wall looks old and boring, and I think having the [new wall] with more holds will actually entice more people to try climbing,” says Outdoor Committee Chair Joanne Siegel. “I hope [the renovation] brings more and more adults to the gym as well as continues the success with the younger climbers and team.”

Replacing the old-style roped climbing walls will be modern, mosaic-style surfaces that will match what was installed in the gym during the 2013 renovation.

The righthand-most side of the gym will be a zone catering to classes and younger climbers. The left side will be designated as a lead climbing-only area and will include a wall built at a consistent 20-degree overhang to help facilitate training for members and Climbing Team athletes. These new wall angles will provide expanded routesetting possibilities and new challenges. Additionally, the surfaces will be nearly five feet taller than the walls they are replacing.

“Even though adding on only a few feet doesn’t seem like much, it will really help with our training in the long run,“ says MAC Climbing Team member Emma Wetsel. “The new height combined with the more modern walls and consistent angles will allow us to climb on walls that are closer to the new competition standard.”

Once the expansion is complete, the wall will give the space a cohesive and attractive look, with increased functionality. Additionally, the new space will open up the possibility for the Climbing Gym to host more championship-level competitions. With climbing classes being regularly waitlisted and open spots on the climbing team becoming ever increasingly sparse, each bit of extra space will help to make sure all MAC members have a great experience.

“As a ‘recent-to-the-sport’ adult climber, I’m excited to try the new 20-degree wall section with my friends,” adds MAC member Matthew Swafford.

Construction is expected to be complete by mid-September. The goal is for the new expansion to be open to members — in accordance with state and local guidance — in early fall.