In March of this year, we looked out on the horizon and saw that life looked like it was returning to some sense of normalcy. We hosted the Progression Warehouse Party and announced moving to a new location and expanding our climbing wall to better serve the community. Then another wave of Covid-19 interrupted our plans and caused us to postpone the project and alter our plans. Today, I am excited to announce that we have broken ground on the first phase of the move to our new location slated for a soft opening this month (announcement soon).
This first phase will double the size of the bouldering area as well as adding 70m2 of lead and top rope surface. We are raising the height of our existing bouldering wall and replacing the panels. In addition a new free standing boulder that can be topped out with kid and family friendly routes adds a new element of fun and authenticity to the space. The lead and top rope wall will be as high as 8.5 meters and be built to European standards.
We are introducing new programming and training for aspiring climbers as well. The lead wall will provide opportunities for learning skills for top rope climbing, leading and threading anchors, transitioning to the outdoors, as well as multi-pitch techniques including transitions, belaying from the top and rappelling from the top of a route. High rope elements will test the strength and collaboration of members. Of course we are also investing in a number of new climbing holds from reputable brands around the world.
The wall will be at our new location at Rescue Park Thailand and provides something for everyone from the climbing community to newcomers interested in trying the sport and even families looking for a fun way to spend time together. The new location just on the outskirts of the city and the banks of the ping river with extensive parking, a snack/coffee shop on sight, and an organic farm with fresh eggs and vegetables for sale. It significantly enhances our ability to create an active and healthy space that builds community. It also includes an air conditioned room to host climbing and adventure movies, quiz nights, clinics and guest lecturers. It’s location allows for warm up walks and runs along the Ping river. It is also fitted with an outdoor playground for kids and barbecue facilities for classic events like our Rock and Roast. Members can even purchase fresh eggs to take home at the end of a day of climbing.
While the design of the first phase is not quite the same as what was announced in March, it will allow us to gently ease into normal operations as the country begins to open. It gives us a chance to be careful with how we grow so we don’t run into any issues if another Covid-19 wave hits and the country or even city is locked down. If that happens, everyone suffers. As we see that the country and economy are returning to normal, we will continue with the larger phase 2 project.
We can’t wait to share this new space with you and continue to #ClimbOverCovid as we look ahead to the future.
#FuelYourProgression
Josh and Kat Morris
Founders
CMRCA / Progression
What you will find at the new gym
- Brand new lead and top rope wall
- Upgraded bouldering wall
- New kids bouldering zone
- Freestanding boulder
- Campus/training zone
- High rope elements (leap of faith, giant’s ladder, cargo net)
- SRT training elements for caving
- Work at Height training
- Gear rentals for climbing, caving, rescue training
- Children’s playground
- Coffeeshop/snackbar on site
- Parking
- Easy access between super highway and 2nd ring road.
