One of the things your friends who live “elsewhere” in the world will tell you they don’t like about New York is the lack of outdoorsy activities, like we’re all relegated to playing stickball in the streets and running through fire hydrants for fresh air entertainment. They’re wrong of course — camping, beaches and lots of free hikes are just a train ride away. But here’s one outdoorsy activity that you don’t even have to leave Brooklyn for, and it’s got a view even your friends who live in the sticks would be jealous of: The new climbing wall at Brooklyn Bridge Park is now North America’s largest outdoor bouldering facility. It has a soft opening last month but its grand opening this weekend will feature free entries and rentals for all!
It’s tucked under the Manhattan bridge on the banks of the East River, with a view of the glimmering city skyline in the background — a literal million dollar view. And it’s way cheaper than the city’s existing climbing gyms too (a couple even got married there already).
The 7,8000-square foot climbing wall, officially called Dumbo Boulders, created in partnership with The Cliffs, which runs a huge gym in Queens, can fit up to 250 climbers at at time. It’s the city’s first outdoor climbing facility (not counting the rocks in Central Park people like to boulder on).
Day passes will cost only $9 including climbing shoe rental — that’s a huge deal compared to other gyms in the city: day passes plus shoe rentals costs $34 at both Brooklyn Boulders in Gowanus and The Cliff’s gym in Queens (though both those offer more climbing options for the money). The Brooklyn Bridge Park gym will also offer some free events and after-school programming.
The grand opening on Saturday features free entry and rentals, plus yoga on the lawn, family fun programs and a prize wall challenge.
“The Cliffs is thrilled to be part of a project that brings rock climbing, traditionally only available to those with access to the mountains, to the Brooklyn community,” Cliffs owner Mike Wolfer told Brokelyn. “It’s one part of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s bigger vision to bring outdoor recreation to the urban environment.”
And how’s this for a view?
For more info, check out the Dumbo Boulders Facebook page.
Follow Tim as he tries to send his first V5: @timdonnelly.