Youth Programs return this fall!

Dear Climbers, We need your help to protect indoor climbing as a sport in Washington state . There is a bill moving through the Washington legislative session right now which is of critical importance to indoor climbing gyms, and we can benefit from the immediate support of three key legislators in our area. Click to EMAIL Rep. Greg Cheney, 18th District (Battle Ground, Salmon Creek) Click to EMAIL , Rep, Jim Walsh, 19th District (Longview) Click to EMAIL , Rep. Peter Abbarno, 20th District (La Center, Woodland, Ridgefield) Background Last April, the Washington Dept. of Labor & Industries sent a ‘cease and desist’ letter to a Washington climbing gym, stating they needed to close until they were permitted as an amusement park. While that may sound absurd to many, the reality is there is ambiguity in current state law which leaves climbing facilities exposed. If gyms were required to be treated as amusement parks instead of a sport, it could have wide-ranging negative impacts on how customers experience our facility, the equipment we use, and the type of climbing we can offer. In response to that action, we have partnered with other gyms across the state to propose legislation defining indoor climbing as a sport, not an “amusement”. We have been working proactively with legislators, department staff and the Washington Association for Justice over the past 9 months to produce an amended bill that everyone can support. This week, our bill passed out of committee and will be coming to a full vote on the House floor in the coming days . We ask that anyone wishing to preserve access to climbing facilities contact their local state representative as soon as possible in support of HB 2265 . Michael & Hanz Source Climbing Center 360-694-9096