ROANOKE HOPES TO HAVE PEOPLE CLIMBING THE WALL

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 18, 1993                   TAG: 9302180551
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-6   EDITION: METRO  
SOURCE: JESSICA MARTIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
ROANOKE HOPES TO HAVE PEOPLE CLIMBING THE WALL
Although the wall didn't look like much, Tom Clarke, in his excitement, envisioned a beautiful mountain.
Clarke, recreation programmer for the Roanoke Department of Parks and Recreation, has dreamed of having a public rock-climbing wall for a long time. Now, his dream is coming true and he's discovered a way to offer several new recreational programs.
A 20-by-23 wooden wall with simulated rocks has been installed at the department's facility on Reserve Avenue Southwest for rock-climbing. The rocks are moveable to give access to people of different ability levels and to make the climb easy or challenging.
An open house will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. so residents can see the wall and sign up for rock-climbing classes.
"Aesthetically, I would much rather be outside," said Clarke. But, an indoor wall is better because it's easily accessible, weather resistant and less imposing for beginners, he said.
The wall costs $2,100. The builders, including city employees and interested rock climbers, volunteered their time and energy. "We wouldn't be able to have a wall without their generosity," said Clarke.
The wall, he said, is for much more than climbing. "It is a vehicle for increasing self-confidence [and] self-esteem; improving mental attitudes; and hopefully, a transference of that knowledge to home life."
He hopes the challenge of the wall will teach people that an "I can do it" attitude will make them successful, even though they may have doubts about their skills.
Clarke is planning to sponsor community activities that include programs for people with special needs and interest and for high schools. He also is planning to have competitions.
It's not necessary to have any previous rock-climbing experience to climb on the wall, Clarke said. But before climbing, it's necessary to be certified by the Parks and Recreation Department for insurance purposes.
The certification process for beginners can be completed in a six-hour, one-shot class that concludes with a demonstrative skills and safety test. This class is taught by certified recreation staff and will be offered for the first time on March 6, starting at 1 p.m.
Experienced climbers need to pass a certification test offered on the premises. The first of those tests will be offered March 1 at 6 p.m.
After receiving certification, climbers may use the wall during "open gym" sessions, which vary in times.
To cut back on unnecessary risks, the city also requires that all climbers wear a helmet and know how to use various equipment. "Safety is by far and away my biggest concern," said Clarke.
The Parks and Recreation Building will provide all of the equipment needed, except shoes, after a release form is signed by participants.
For more information on wall climbing, call 981-2237.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB