An indoor rock climbing gym in Boalsburg is closing after more than five years in business.
Climb Nittany plans to permanently shutter on May 31, according to a statement published Sunday night on its website and social media channels. The business cited unsustainable location costs as the reason for closing.
“We didn’t make this decision lightly,” the statement reads. “The occupancy costs at this location have not been sustainable, and after exhausting every restructuring option, we’ve made the difficult choice to close.”
Opened in late 2020 at 328 Discovery Drive, Climb Nittany was owner 5.Life’s (previously Vertical Adventures) first rock climbing gym outside of Ohio and is the only facility of its kind in Centre County.
The 12,000-square-foot gym with 10,000 square feet of climbing walls has offered bouldering and rope climbing, as well as classes for youth and adults.
For the remainder of May, Climb Nittany plans to be open noon-10 p.m. Tuesday, 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 10 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hours may change, and patrons are encouraged to check Climb Nittany’s social media or call (814) 308-0230 before visiting.
Punch passes and remaining time on annual passes will be refunded by June 2, according to Climb Nittany. Monthly passes will not be charged after May 10, and summer camp refunds are underway.
“To every person who ever pulled on a hold, belayed a nervous first-timer, brought their kid to camp, or just needed somewhere to go after a long day — thank you,” the statement reads. “You are the reason Climb Nittany mattered.”
Many of the gym’s members haven’t given up hope.
Abigail Voigt, a 14-year-old State College Area student and climber at Climb Nittany, said it is a “sacred home for hundreds of local youth.” She and other youth hope gym owners or investors will see the potential for climbing in the Centre Region.
“The loss of this space leaves a massive hole in our community, as there will be no other climbing gyms in the area,” Voigt wrote in an email. “Our community is strong, dedicated, and growing, and we are looking for someone with the vision to keep climbing alive here—whether that means finding a way to keep this facility open or starting something new for our team.”
