Ascend Erie Climbing Gym Close to Opening Downtown

Ascend Erie climbing gym nears opening day

The Ascend Erie climbing gym is getting ready to open its doors in downtown Erie on November 6, and new EDDC CEO Drew Whiting says it's an exciting time for the community and those who have worked to bring the facility to Erie. "Memberships are currently live, you can google Ascend Erie, it'll take you right to the website where you can sign up for individual or family memberships, we're getting really close, it's exciting," Whiting said.

Crews from a company called On Site are installing all the panels, ropes, padding and hand and foot holds for the growing sports of climbing and bouldering.

The gym, inside a brand new building at 5th and State Street, is one of the major projects of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation that are transforming the center city.

On top of multiple climbing attractions, Ascend Erie will have a yoga studio, a traditional gym area with weights and cardio equipment.

But the main feature getting all the buzz is a five story, Olympic level climbing wall that is expected to draw elite climbers to Erie. "This is an Olympic regulation climbing wall," Whiting said, "which is a minimum requirement of 48 feet, it allows us to host regional and national competitions that will feed into the larger professional climbing ecosystem."

And that's big news for attracting not only local climbers and families downtown, but for attracting new visitors to Erie.

But there are also lower bouldering attractions for untethered climbing on the second floor, and a two story wall on the State Street side of the building that will be friendly for beginners. "It also is a place for people to come with their families and learn how to climb, to bring kids on those weekend mornings when things seem to drag during the winter and there's nothing else to do," Whiting said, adding that there will be camps and classes for kids.

Already Ascend Erie has sold hundreds of individual and family memberships.  They run between $30 and $70 monthly.  You can click here to learn more about becoming a founding member.