March 29, 2013 By Bill Parry
Long Island City: The Cliffs at LIC, a rock climbing emporium located at 11-11 44th Drive., is on schedule to open on May 4.
Owner Mike Wolfert said, “It’s coming along great. The walls are going up fast.”
In fact, the walls are going up so fast that Wolfert has already introduced a marketing program designed to sell yearly memberships. If purchased before April 4, a one year membership will cost $850. After April 4, the price goes up to $950. Monthly memberships will cost $95, and a daily pass will cost $25.
Interest is so high that The Cliffs at LIC will begin giving guided tours for potential members starting this weekend. On Saturday, the company is offering tours at 1pm and 2pm. On Monday there will be a tour at 9am and another on Wednesday at 7pm.
“Membership sales are way ahead of our projections,” said Wolfert. The former marketing executive believes that social media is fueling the interest, with 3,700 likes on the venue’s Facebook page.
When it’s completed, The Cliffs at LIC will be one of the biggest gyms of its kind in the country. “We’re serving a market that’s never had something like this,” said Wolfert. “Chelsea Piers and Manhattan Plaza Health Club have climbing walls, but not on this scale.”
Members will have 30,000 square feet of climbing space with 60 foot tall fiberglass walls. The walls are contoured to replicate cliff sides, and in one area it’s installing a hydraulic system that can change the angles of the wall to make it more challenging.
Other fitness areas will include weight lifting, strength training and a separate mezzanine for cardio workouts. There will be another large area just for children, parties, summer camps and school field trips.
“I’m getting really excited about it now that we’re in the homestretch,” said Wolfert. “It’s a big step for my family and me, but it’s huge for the community.” He explained that The Cliffs will provide 100 jobs and draw young professionals with discretionary income.
“They’ll leave here all pumped up and hit the local bars and restaurants,” said Wolfert adding, “I already heard from one guy who wants to open a bar right next door because we’re here.”
Featured Events
