Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition | July 2023

BUSINESS FEATURE

BY ELLE BENT

AMENITIES OFFERED BY ABP 1 Climbing terrain 2 Fitness center 3 Adjustable training area 4 Merchandise store

A membership at Austin Bouldering Project oers access to tness equipment at both locations.

The gym recently added an additional 2,500 square feet of climbing terrain to support all ages and climbing levels. The “n,” named for its shape resembling a sh n, is part of the new terrain. (Photos by Elle Bent/Community Impact)

Training boards are designed to challenge climbers with fully adjustable angles and multiple path options.

Austin Bouldering Project South Austin gym oers community an inclusive tness experience A ustin Bouldering Project, located in the Westgate Shopping Center at 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 600, Austin, oers what General in dierent areas to encourage people to climb out of their comfort zones.

“[We’re] really trying to encourage people to push themselves and try new things and just have fun,” Morris said. “There’s no beginners area; there’s no expert area. We have climbers spread out all through- out the gym; we want everyone to be together, and we want folks to encourage each other.” The routes change every Tuesday and Thursday, and are crafted by route setters who plan and test

Manager Charles Morris refers to as “more than just a gym” with climbing terrain for all ages, tness and yoga classes, and community events. The 25,000-square-foot facility features climbing space, tness equipment, a yoga studio, a coworking space with Wi-Fi, and designated areas for birthday parties and summer camps. ABP can be accessed with a day pass or a gym membership.

Guests can purchase merchandise, including tness accessories, and members receive a 10% discount.

dierent routes on the terrain. “They’re exceptional climbers and really creative, passionate individuals,” Morris said of the route setters. ABP hosts community events in the space, such as Height Fight, an inclusive climbing competition in which categories are based only on height and proceeds are donated to Austin

“A BIG PART OF OUR MISSION IS INCLUSIVITY AND MAKING SURE PEOPLE FEEL WELCOME IN THE SPACE.” CHARLES MORRIS, WESTGATE GENERAL MANGER

The location, which is one of two in Austin, opened in 2021 and has since added 2,500 square feet of climbing terrain. There are ve other Bouldering Project locations around the country. “We wanted our newest space because there are a lot of

General Manager Charles Morris has been bouldering for about 12 years.

Austin Bouldering Project 4477 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 600, Austin 737-237-0899 www.austinboulderingproject.com/westgate Hours: Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

families around the Westgate area, so we wanted to make sure that we have lots of youth space for the summer,” Morris said. Morris, who has been bouldering for about 12 years, said ABP serves as a “third space” for many of its patrons where they can nd community and gather in addition to home and work. “A big part of our mission is inclusivity and making sure people feel welcome in the space,” Morris said. “We don’t want to be the gym that’s for the expert climbers. We also don’t want to be the gym that’s for just beginner climbers. We want to be the space where everybody feels welcome.” The circuit system of climbing terrain across the facility is color coded by diculty, but levels overlap

nonprots. Fitness and yoga classes are oered throughout the week, and bouldering classes are oered biweekly. Parents can book birthday parties or sign up for ABP’s summer camp programs for youth ages 5-12. Routes that are shorter and include shaped holds, such as of pizza or a hot dog, are oered for children. Memberships can be purchased monthly or annually and range from $45-$85 a month based on age. A membership oers access to the entire gym and classes oered at both ABP locations in Austin. Day passes, ranging from $13-$20 based on age, can also be purchased for access to the facility. “If I have to sum up what we’re about, we just want people to feel welcome,” Morris said.

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