It’s been a long climb to get to this stage, but the Outdoor Pursuits Centre is just about ready to open.
Lyndie Hill of Hoodoo Adventures, the Penticton company that is opening the centre, said it is time to stop worrying.
“I have to let go of the fact that not every single thing will be in place before we are ready and just accept it will unfold as we reach the summer,” said Hill. “But it feels good to have that climbing wall ready to go and be able to let the community come in and experience it.”
The centre officially opens to the public on March 5, featuring the indoor climbing gym and a central tour booking office. Bike rentals will be available March through November and kayak rentals will be available May through October.
To celebrate the opening, Hoodoo Adventures is offering a special weekend rate for the climbing gym: $10/day pass plus $5 climbing gear rental packages (per person), available March 5 and 6.
“I am excited and just hopeful the community supports it and embraces it. It sounds like everybody will. Everybody seems pretty excited about it, so hopefully, it all works out,” said Hill who adds that climbing walls are a popular and multifaceted activity.
“We will be using ours for all levels of climbers, but they are a very useful tool for schools and youth programs. That is where a large part of our focus is,” said Hill. “Giving something for kids to do, but also teaching skills and a different way of learning, that is what they (climbing walls) are really unique for.”
Three-quarters of the climbing gym offers bouldering with overhangs and a cave, while the remainder consists of top rope climbing used for teaching and skills training, offering a stepping stone to safely enter the world of outdoor climbing at the world-renowned Skaha Bluffs. The additional space will be used as a tour booking office with bike and kayak rentals, shuttle service and an array of tours on offer. Hill said they are looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors to this facility, and that it will highlight Penticton’s outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Outdoor Pursuits Centre is located at 131 Ellis St., and will open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. More information is available at hoodooadventures.ca.
