The long-awaited new climbing wall at the Chapel Hill Community Center is in the works. The gym closed last month as work began to replace the old one with a brand-new expanded wall. The old wall is already gone.
Opened in 1987, the outgoing wall is believed to be one of the oldest operating in the country. “This wall has been home to 37 climbing competitions and countless recreation programs in the last 40 years. It’s a staple in our climbing community,” said Recreation Supervisor Keith Dodson. “While we’re sad to see it go, its legacy is staying right here in the gym where we’ll build years of new memories.”
During the gym closure, the rest of the Community Center—including the pool, locker rooms, meeting room, and restrooms— are open. Construction is expected to be completed in December.
The new climbing wall will offer more than 5,000 square feet of climbing, designed in part to mirror the climbing experience at Pilot Mountain in Surry County. The wall includes these features:
A new King Swing, which will give climbers a chance to make some powerful, dynamic leaps.
Play climbing components, including ice pick, disc, ladder and army rope climbing.
Adaptive climbing gear to support climbing for community members of all abilities.
“The new climbing wall will carry us into the future while honoring so many memories made in the last four decades,” said Kevin Robinson, senior manager of planning and park operations. “We hope climbers notice that the look and feel of the new wall, with its cracks and overhangs, nods to the experience they loved on the old wall.”
Five hundred thousand dollars in funding for this $749,000 project comes from the 2024 voter-approved rec bonds. Contractor is Eldorado Climbing. The remainder will come from the Parks and Recreation Dept. annual facilities maintenance capital funding.
“We know lots of folks enjoy the gym and that the temporary closure requires patience,” said Robinson. “We think it’ll be well worth the wait, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back and celebrate the new climbing wall together.”