New Climbing Gym for Juneau Climbing and Recreation Organization
Juneau climbers have one indoor facility to practice climbing skills in Juneau, located in the Rock Dump industrial area in Thane. With approximately 200 members and over 300 additional visitors per month, the current facility is a warm and dry year round community asset for exercise, recreation, development of outdoor safety skills, and health and wellness. In operation for 20 years, the facility has been managed by a local non profit organization, Juneau Climbing and Recreation (JCR) for over half of its life proving its financial sustainability and commitment by the Juneau community.
JCR is seeking to relocate the climbing facility to a location that is more accessible; it is very difficult to get to the gym without owning a car and so membership is currently limited. Additionally, the building is privately owned and the owners are significantly reducing gym size as they need more space for their operations. The climbing structures are outdated and limit the type of climbing available because significant structural improvements to the building are required to upgrade modern equipment.
The new facility is envisioned to be 5000 square feet including the climbing area, entry, strength building area, multiuse party room, and restrooms. The target area is in the Mendenhall Valley commercial area with public bus access and walking distance to dense residential development and schools. A site in this area is under discussion with a local developer. With the move to a more accessible location, new programming can be added to attract more youth through after-school programming and camps and we can better serve our primary user demographic of 17-35 years of age. Our mission for this new facility is to foster an environment of inclusivity, adventure, and personal growth through climbing. We welcome people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and strive to inspire confidence, skills, fitness, and social connections vital to our community’s well-being.
To Donate
Donate by credit card using the link below or make your checks payable to: Juneau Community Foundation, 350 North Franklin Street, Suite 4, Juneau, Alaska 99801. Please call us at 907-523-5450, or email info@juneaucf.org for information on donating stock, wiring funds, establishing a Fund, gifting a portion of a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, or naming the Juneau Community Foundation in your will as a designated beneficiary.
