By DARIN ALLISON
Darin@newsroom.byu.edu
Local rock climbing enthusiasts are preparing to bring world class climbing to Provo.
The Rock Garden, located in the heart of downtown Provo, recently relinquished the reigns of ownership. Previous owners Jeremy Brown and Keith Payne sold the facility to Josh Miller, Jeff Pedersen, and Nathan Maughan.
However, that's only the tip of the limestone. The three entrepreneurs are spear-heading a project to develop and construct another indoor climbing gym in Provo. The new building will be called 'The Quarry.'
'It will be a state of the art climbing gym, all textured to look and feel like the outdoors,' Pederson said.
The Wasatch front has long challenged climbers and thrill seekers with peaks and ferocious walls that only few have conquered. In recent years, this test of courage and skill has lured many to Utah, creating a subculture of outdoor enthusiasts.
The new gym will literally drawf the 'Rock Garden' in size. Approximately 12,000 square feet to the 4000 of the Garden, is scheduled to be available to 'gaston', 'heel-hook', and 'pinch' to your hearts content.
'It could be a venue for World Cup Competition,' said Yvette Young, a manager at the Rock Garden.
The 'Quarry' will provide a bouldering area on the second floor that is over half the entire size of the Rock Garden. Besides the shear size, this will benefit climbers and those wanting to boulder from interfering with each other.
Other perks include a repelling platform, top roping routes, lead climbing sections, and a wall designed specifically for crack climbing which parallels the outdoors.
'They will be straight uniform size cracks that allow climbers to get a good handle on outside rock,' said Pedersen.
Representing and creating a likeness of the outdoors is a big push for those involved in the development. Ultimately allowing patrons to use experiences and skills learned indoors, and apply them outdoors.
Miller, the backbone of the venture, looks forward to future events associated with the new gym.
'We hope to provide a location for X-games, World Cup and National Competition,' said Miller.
Both Miller and Pedersen are California natives. Pedersen has been climbing for nearly 16 years and is known locally as one of the experts in the field. Miller, with 10 years of climbing experience, has climbed the infamous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
The 'Quarry' has already began excavation next to 'Movies 8.' The location will be ideal for the greater student population in Provo and Orem alike.
'It will be a really positive clean environment,' Miller said. 'We want to make it friendly to the brand new climber as well as the expert.'
Construction is expected to be finished in May.