Inside the grand opening of the Jackson Recreation Center's new climbing gym
By Amberley Ransom
After a decade-long absence, indoor climbing has returned with the grand opening of the new climbing gym at the Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center. This eagerly awaited facility, which opened to the public in May 2024, has quickly become a vibrant hub for climbers of all levels and a beacon for the local community.
The Vision Comes To Life
Local climbers and residents have anticipated this moment, recognizing the new gym as a vital addition to the area's rich climbing heritage.
The newly remodeled recreation center not only includes a state-of-the-art climbing gym but also features expanded workout facilities, an indoor track, a new weight room, a daycare, and a gymnasium. This expansion has effectively doubled the size of the center, creating a comprehensive and accessible fitness destination for people of all ages and abilities.
EP Climbing’s Role And The Facility’s Features
In collaboration with the Teton Climbers Coalition, EP Climbing played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. Designing and constructing the climbing gym to meet the highest standards in route-setting and performance, EP Climbing ensured that the facility offers a diverse range of climbing terrain. From beginners to seasoned pros, every climber can find elements to challenge and entertain, positioning the center to become a cornerstone of the local climbing scene.
The climbing area encompasses 9,695 square feet. This includes 7,594 square feet of rope climbing walls that stand 37 feet high, and 2,101 square feet of bouldering walls at 15 feet high. EP Climbing—which joined the project a few years ago under a design agreement tailored for optimal facility use—meticulously collaborated with clients and local climbers to ensure that the gym met its needs and budget. This included the early installation of steel to accommodate construction timelines, ensuring that the project was completed on schedule for the grand opening.
The Role Of The Teton Climbers' Coalition
The Teton Climbers' Coalition (TCC) played a pivotal role in the project. Formed in March 2020, the coalition’s motivation stemmed from the community’s needs and the unique challenges of the local real-estate market.
"In the November 2019 election, Teton County voters approved $22 million via the SPET initiative’s Proposition #9 for the 'Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center Expansion and Renovation, Community Climbing Gym, King Street Extension, and Stormwater Treatment,'" explains Christian Beckwith, a board member of TCC. "Given the realities of the Jackson Hole real estate market, it was understood that the rec center gym, once completed, would preclude the development of a private market gym in the future. If we wanted a good gym, we had one shot to get it right."
The coalition’s extensive research and advocacy were instrumental in doubling the gym's originally proposed size. Despite facing resistance from the local parks and recreation department, the coalition’s efforts were unwavering, drawing from their successful experience with the Teton Boulder Park.
“In 2009, the climbing community proposed creating a bouldering park in Jackson, which was unprecedented for the Teton County/Jackson Parks & Rec Department. Convincing them to support and collaborate on this community-driven initiative required breaking the mold of traditional park development. It took two years of effort, but the Teton Boulder Park, also built by EP Climbing, is now a nationally recognized success story and the most heavily used park in the department’s inventory,” says Beckwith. Despite this success, developing the new climbing gym faced similar challenges and took the same amount of time.
Community Response And Impact
The community's response to the new facility has been overwhelmingly positive. On opening day, hundreds of climbers attended despite rainy weather, demonstrating the facility’s immediate impact. New memberships have surged, reflecting strong community support and engagement. The increase in memberships highlights the significant revenue potential that a well-designed climbing gym can bring to recreation centers.
Community feedback has been effusive, with climbers praising the gym's design, staff, and overall atmosphere. One member says, “This climbing gym is exactly what the Jackson community needed. I cannot wait to come to the rec center often and climb.” Another expressed, “It’s perfect. I love it here. Thanks to all the staff for so much hard work building this place.”
A Hub For All Ages
The Teton County/Jackson Recreation Center's new climbing gym stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and passion for climbing. It provides a space where climbers can reconnect, plan future climbs, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with a shared passion. The gym not only serves as a training ground but also serves as a gathering spot where friendships are formed and strengthened.
"The gym has quickly become both a community gathering place and melting pot," Beckwith says. "In the few short weeks that it has been open, people from ages 8 to 80 have become regulars. I’m seeing folks who were Teton pioneers in the 1970s and ‘80s climbing next to 5-year-olds and their parents. It has created an onramp for the Latino community. My teenage daughter has begun going with her friends; she also goes climbing with me, which is nothing short of a miracle."
Economic And Social Benefits
For EP Climbing, this project underscores the value of incorporating climbing walls into parks and recreation segments. The firm’s expertise in designing and building climbing gyms helps create facilities that not only meet the needs of climbers but also generate substantial revenue for recreation centers. This project exemplifies how a thoughtfully designed climbing gym can become a vital part of a community’s recreational infrastructure.
The long-term impact of the Jackson Recreation Center climbing gym extends beyond the climbing community. The facility has introduced many newcomers to the sport, fostering a love for climbing that will likely continue to grow. Schools and youth programs have already shown interest in utilizing the gym for educational and extracurricular activities, further embedding the facility into the community fabric.
Moreover, the new gym has the potential to host regional climbing competitions. These events can boost local tourism and the economy, making the gym not only a recreational asset but also an economic one.
Looking Forward
As the largest recreation center in the West, the new facility is poised to become a central feature of the community’s recreational offerings. EP Climbing is proud to have been part of this project, and the firm looks forward to seeing how the new facility will inspire and shape the current and next generations of Teton climbers. More than a place to climb, the new gym is a vibrant community hub that promises to enhance the local climbing culture for years to come.
The facility's future looks bright, with plans to introduce climbing workshops, advanced training programs, and partnerships with local schools and organizations. These initiatives will ensure that the climbing gym remains a dynamic and evolving space that meets the growing needs of the community.
Amberley Ransom is Communications Manager at EP Climbing. She can be reached at a.ransom@epclimbing.com.