July 31, 2015 By Michael Florio
The newest rock-climbing center in LIC will soon be opening.
Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge, a massive rock climbing facility located inside a residential building at 23-10 41st Ave, is expected to open by the end of August.
Members will have access to nearly 20 climbing walls and a fitness center contained within the 25,000 square foot facility.
Climbers will be able to explore a variety of different rock climbing walls—from 30 foot walls that require a harness to shorter walls where rope is not required, Cyrena Lee, Regional Marketing Manager, said.
Members will be able to lift weights, run on the treadmills and use the elliptical machines in the facility’s fitness center. The fitness center also has a yoga studio, sauna and locker room. A café may also open in the facility in 2016, Lee said.
Instructors will be available to teach members how to climb and will offer classes that point out proper climbing and rope tying techniques. For children there are afterschool and summer programs, as well as a youth competitive climbing team stationed out of the center.
More than 500 members can utilize the center at any one time, Lee said.
To date, more than 500 people have signed up to be members and additional residents continue to show interest, Lee said.
“Everyone keeps asking when we are opening,” she said.
People who sign up now can buy memberships at the discounted price of $950 for the year, or $95 per-month, with no sign-up membership fee, Lee said.
Once the center opens, the will cost will rise to $1,150 for a year, or $115 per month, with a $100 membership sign-up fee, she said.
Non-members can purchase day passes for $28, which allows full access of the facility for that day. There is an additional $11 fee for gear rental, and all first timers must take an orientation before climbing, Lee said.
Brooklyn Boulders has three other rock climbing establishments—a Gowanus facility that opened in 2009 and one in Boston and Chicago.
However, it has had its eye on the Long Island City market for some time.
“We’ve been looking at Long Island City since 2010 – we bet on this area a long time ago and are really excited to see it growing as fast as it is,” said co-founder Lance Pinn in a statement.
The facility will open near Cliffs LIC, a 30,000 square foot venue that opened at 11-11 44th Dr. in 2013.
A number of graffiti artists are painting the center’s white walls this week, with one artist painting the image of the 5 Pointz building, the infamous LIC building that was controversially demolished.
The center is waiting on its final permit before opening. It will open once that permit is received, Lee said.
Brooklyn Boulders will host a grand opening party in September, with live musical performances, artist, food and beverages, Lee said. However a date for the party is still in the works.
LIC residents will be able to walk in, feel comfortable and have the ability to meet people,” Lee said. “Climbing is a great way to connect with people and help push one another.”