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Rock climbing Mecca to arrive in LIC

Feb. 1, 2013 By Bill Parry

One of the largest indoor rock climbing venues in the US is opening in Long Island City this April.

The Cliffs, which will be located at 11-11 44th Drive, will be a 30,000 sqf recreation center that offers rock climbing, a gymnasium and an apparel store. The owner, Mike Wolfert, is convinced that the facility is the largest indoor rock climbing venue in the nation.

The Cliffs is so large that 500 climbers can scale the 60-foot walls at the same time. Another feature includes 35-feet of overhang to add to the challenge.

Indoor rock climbing has become a popular fitness workout in the last decade, known primarily, for building upper body strength.

The center will include a gym that offers full-fitness cardio and free weights, as well as a retail store that sells climbing gear.

The 38-year-old Wolfert, a native of Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, started the business after catching the climbing bug. “I fell in love with it and decided to start my own business.”

He opened The Cliffs at Valhalla (in Westchester County) to great success and when it came time to expand he settled on Long Island City after plenty of research on the housing boom.

“LIC is such an exciting market,” Wolfert said, “it’s the right place at the right time with all the young people moving in.”

Exterior of The Cliffs

Exterior of The Cliffs

email the author: news@queenspost.com

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