Expansion of Earth Treks Rockville Facility

Earth Treks Climbing Centers, a leader in the climbing industry since 1990, announces the expansion of their Rockville facility, due to open in late 2011. Thanks to the enthusiastic support from the Rockville, MD business community, construction will begin mid-June 2011. The new addition will greatly expand bouldering and roped climbing on walls ranging from 15 to 40 feet in height. Total climbing surface will exceed 34,000 square feet post expansion, making it among the top five largest climbing gyms in the nation. The updated facility will also include expanded locker rooms, a larger fitness area, a fitness studio and instructional areas.

Photograph by Earth Treks

Chris Warner, owner of Earth Treks Climbing Centers explains, “In 2009, in the teeth of the recession we spent over a half million dollars expanding the Columbia gym and renovating the Timonium gym. In 2010 we focused our energies on becoming ever better at delivering great customer service. In 2011, we are putting our energy into expanding our Rockville gym from 19,000 square feet of climbing to 34,000 square feet. We run the business like we climb: taking calculated risks in order to grow.”

For the design and construction of the expanded facility, Earth Treks turned to Eldorado Climbing Walls, a leader in the climbing wall design field. “Eldorado Climbing Walls has been able to work with the look and feel of our existing walls, and successfully add their experience to our vision for the facility.” explains Scot Heidtman, Vice President of Earth Treks Climbing Centers. “This will result in the construction of one of the largest indoor climbing facilities in the United States, and most importantly, the optimal climbing wall design for our community.”

Indoor rock climbing has quickly become a favorite activity for Washington, DC area families and individuals of all ages. Climbing promotes an adventurous and healthy lifestyle while strengthening community and family bonds. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of providing world class facilities and introducing this amazing sport to thousands of people each year,” adds Heidtman.

None of this would be possible without the continued support of Earth Treks’ members, who have patiently awaited the expansion since the Rockville gym opened its doors in 2006. The designs and plans for the expansion will reflect the feedback and needs of the Earth Treks climbing community.

Warner concludes by saying, “It is hard to know who is more excited, the members or the staff.” Construction is slated to begin in June and end before the winter season is in full swing. For more information, please visit www.earthtreksclimbing.com.

About Earth Treks Climbing Centers Earth Treks' Climbing Centers are state-of-the-art indoor climbing gyms located in Columbia, Timonium and Rockville, MD. Earth Treks offers world class rock climbing in the greater Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Maryland region. Each climbing gym is among the largest in the country, with plenty of climbing for every ability level. Each year, Earth Treks teaches over 20,000 people to climb.

Earth Treks' rock and ice climbing guide service, founded in 1990, is the oldest and largest in the region. The international mountaineering guide service has led over 170 international trips, specializing in expeditions to the Andes of Ecuador and Kilimanjaro.

About Eldorado Climbing Walls Since 1994, Eldorado Climbing Walls has delivered the finest rock climbing wall systems in the industry. Eldorado Climbing Walls offers turnkey climbing wall systems to meet any need and size, working with clients to create a wall that is visually stunning, offers exceptional climbing and complements the architecture and traffic flow of their facility. Eldorado Climbing Walls’ clients include climbing gyms, colleges, universities, municipal parks and recreation centers, government and military, K-12 schools, fitness centers, camps, family entertainment centers, and other climbing wall facilities. http://eldowalls.com/

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthtreks/sets/72157623468648584/