Donations and partnerships result in new Downtown climbing boulder for all to enjoy

Rock climbing and bouldering have just become even more accessible in Squamish thanks to a new climbing boulder that has arrived in Downtown Squamish. The boulder was proposed in the 2013 “Outdoor Recreation Playground Concept Plan” as part of the Downtown Squamish Transformation Initiative which aims to provide family-oriented activities and give visitors a hands-on experience of Squamish’s classic recreational offerings. The boulder is located in Pavilion Park on Cleveland Avenue beside the site of the summer Squamish Farmers’ Market.

“This is a really exciting addition to Downtown Squamish and yet another example of a project which would not have been possible without the generosity of donations and partnerships,” says Patricia Heintzman, Mayor of Squamish. “It’s always amazing to see what can happen when community-minded people take initiative.”

The project is a collaboration between the District, the local climbing community, the Climbers’ Access Society of B.C., and Andrew Coffey, a local resident, climber and owner of The Hive Bouldering Gyms who stepped forward with financial support, passion and industry contacts to help make the project a reality.

Coffey, a new resident of Squamish and owner of two well-established bouldering gyms in Vancouver and North Vancouver, is a passionate advocate for the sport. “The Hive is proud to be connected to the Squamish community through support of this project,” says Coffey. “We hope that this will encourage locals and visitors of all ages to get out and enjoy one of the finest activities that Squamish has to offer.”

The new climbing structure aims to increase participation and interest in rock climbing, for which Squamish is recognized internationally.

"The Climbers' Access Society of British Columbia is pleased to be a partner in the Squamish community boulder project,” says Allen Agopsowicz, Climbers’ Access Society of B.C. President. “We feel this easily accessible boulder will inspire more people to take up the sport of climbing, and for those already climbing, a place to enjoy the sport in beautiful downtown Squamish."

The custom-built boulder resembles the natural boulders found in Squamish and was made out of sculpted concrete with a variety of handholds, footholds and features to enable climbing at varying degrees of difficulty without the need for equipment. The boulder has also been designed for all-weather use and requires minimum to no maintenance. 

November 24, 2015