Andrew Thoreson/ Winonan

Winona State University is currently one of the few schools in the Midwest that does not have a climbing gym, but upon completion of the new addition of a climbing wall in Wabasha Hall, Winona State will house one of the best.

Eric Barnard, director of the Outdoor Recreation & Education Center (OERC) program, has worked for several years to get the climbing wall built.

The foundation will be made of 16 inches of padded floor and rigged walls. The wall will have both “challenging” and “fun” routes, Barnard said, and is equipped with some of the highest-rated equipment.

It will be nearly the entire size of the gymnasium.

Barnard said gyms are costly, and Winona State did not have it in budget to start the project the last several years.

However, as soon as enough money was donated and raised, Walltopia, one of the leading builders of the climbing walls, signed the contract and began building just a couple months ago.

More than half of the gym budget was donated through the Winona community, and the rest was raised though business oriented fundraising.

The wall is nearly complete and will be open for use within a few weeks. Classes will be held to teach students how to climb and utilize the wall as much as possible.

There are also plans for open gym time for all students five days a week in the evening when possible.

Barnard said he is proud the equipment and wall will help teach students to anchor, lead climb, use cams and other protection devices appropriately and learn safety techniques.

Barnard said he integrated new techniques and equipment that appear creative and outside the box, he said, allowing students to learn quickly and efficiently in a safe environment.