Welcome to the beginning of what we hope will be a long, fun-filled, and fruitful adventure for the Roanoke Community. We’re diligently working to transform a portion of what was once an old ice factory here in the Historic Wasena Neighborhood, into a world class climbing gym that can be enjoyed by all members of our community and region; be they young or young-at-heart. For those who’ve already tasted the sweetness of what it means to scale a rock face and spend some quality time with your closest pals in the most beautiful outdoor settings, you know what’s waiting for you at The River Rock. Now you have a place to gather with friends, both old and new, and train for those outdoor climbing adventures, support others in this pursuit, as well as challenge yourself and others to continuously improve your skills. Yep, you can get in a good work out at the end of the day, have a few laughs, and stop by the Wasena City Tap House next door for a burrito and a beer. Not bad for a Tuesday night.
But it’s those folks who haven’t had the pleasure of climbing to new heights, both physically and mentally, or who haven’t spent a weekend immersed in the beauty of the natural world, that really excites us. The beauty of the sport of rock climbing is that it’s for everyone. Don’t think you’re athletic enough to do it, I’ll bet the gym on the fact that you’re wrong. Everyone can climb at some level, and the beauty is that as you continue to get better, there’s always something more challenging waiting for you. Plus the climbing community is like no other when it comes to accepting, encouraging, and supporting others who are new to the sport. It’s our dream that The River Rock will be a place that supports those already committed to outdoor recreation, while introducing and nourishing those who have never had access to the outdoors but who would both love and greatly benefit from spending a night under the stars or climbing to new heights on a limestone wall.
Stay tuned. We’ll keep you posted as to the progress of the gym’s development, and look forward to seeing your smiling faces thoroughly enjoying The River Rock very soon.
Cheers,
Brent
