The University of Texas San Antonio recently modernized its climbing wall through a groundbreaking resurfacing project done by NIRSA associate member EP Climbing.
Originally constructed by EP Climbing in 2005, the Freeform Wall has stood as a central point for climbers at UTSA campus for almost two decades. Acknowledging a need to modernize the wall to meet current industry standards and materials, UTSA enlisted EP Climbing to spearhead this revitalization effort. Returning to the project with a fresh perspective, EP Climbing introduced innovative design elements, creating new Mozaik walls that seamlessly fit into the existing space.
The design team demonstrated ingenuity by creatively reusing the original steel substructure from the Freeform Wall, ensuring both sustainability and efficiency. The revamped climbing walls now stand at an impressive 53 feet 5 inches for sport climbing, covering an area of 2,270 square feet, and a height of 16 feet for bouldering, totaling 386 square feet. To enhance safety and comfort, a new 12-inch flooring pad has been installed.
Why did UTSA update and upgrade?
The climbing wall is located in the Recreation Wellness Center and attracts climbers of all skill levels within the UTSA community. So, the primary objective of this project was to bring the climbing wall up to modern standards, enabling route setting that aligns with current climbing trends and styles. Overcoming the limitations of the original Freeform Wall — known for its highly textured and contoured surface — EP Climbing successfully delivered a more versatile and dynamic climbing experience for the UTSA community, while also increasing user capacity.
This project’s execution during the winter break minimized disruption, ensuring a seamless transition for climbers returning to the facility.
