Surrounded by the high desert landscape and a stunning view of the Cascade Mountain range, EP USA installed pre-casted and custom-built boulders that include natural routes and set routes with hand holds. Routes vary in difficulty to offer opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. EP integrated accessible routes with rope assist climbing hardware for adaptive climbers and climbers with disabilities, expanding this recreational opportunity to all in this rapidly growing sport.
Innovative play
As parks and recreation departments look for more ways to inspire people to take advantage of green spaces, many are finding solutions in manufactured climbing and bouldering structures. Bringing climbing into the play environment encourages parents, children, youth and teens to participate in the activity, amplifying fun and making memorable connections. Aside from family play, climbing is an inherently community-driven sport, providing motivation for people of all ages to socialize at the park’s boulders.
By contributing to outdoor fields of play, like Alpenglow Community Park, EP aims to support both the growth and innovation of climbing, as well as to create long-term value for the community.
“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.”
Integrating features, such as bouldering structures, to local parks is a welcomed change of pace. Climbing can provide communities with meaningful opportunities for play and increase physical activity, while encouraging problem solving and building social connections.
For more information on boulders, climbing walls, hand holds and services, visit www.epclimbing.com or call 541-388-5463.