Our Mission:
To advocate and demonstrate the student demand, university value, and economic feasibility for constructing a rock climbing facility on MSU's campus
Project Justification:
Michigan State University should construct a rock climbing gym as it would directly benefit its students and faculty. Not only would this improve MSU's attractiveness to prospective students, but more importantly it would meet the demands and interests of its current student body. We want to be clear that this is a project intended for all MSU students and is in no way exclusive to the Outdoors Club.
Student demand: Each year, the Outdoors Club introduces at least 50 students to rock climbing for the first time. Exprienced climbers in the club take beginners to rock faces in Grand Ledge, MI; Milton, Ontario; and Lexington, KY to "show them the ropes". Many students become lifelong climbers as a result of these trips. These events, however, are weather-dependant, not feasible from October to April, and distant from campus. Hundreds of MSU students resort to for-profit indoor climbing gyms in Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids, which are difficult for students to access and more expensive than a campus wall. There is not only sufficient demand for a climbing wall - there is need.
University value: Climbing is uniquely helpful in building both strength and confidence. It offers the opportunity to hone physical and mental skills without the negative impacts and exclusions of more competitive sports. Climbing not only builds personal stamina, physical agility, muscle strength, self-discipline and confidence, it also educates students. The university benefits from constructing a climbing facility as it helps to stay on par with other colleges and universities both in Michigan and the entire U.S., which commonly have well-developed gyms. Furthermore, this addition will enhance the image of the university for prospective students.
Economic feasibility: Given the current ecomonic status of the State of Michigan and MSU it may seem impractical to pursue such an endeavor. However, we uphold the rationale that in addition to spending less, it is adventageous to spend smarter. This project provides an opportunity for investing in an asset that enhances the university and offers a new activity to students for decades ahead, but does not result in recurring costs. We are committed to demonstrating that such a facility, once constructed, would generate enough revenue to meet, if not exceed, its operational costs.
How can you help?
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Please sign our petition to show your support! Your email will not be silicited outside of the petition.
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Join our Facebook group: “MSU should have a climbing wall”.
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Spread the word. We need to demonstrate the demand and interest of as many students as possible to make this effort a high priority. Refer your MSU friends, roommates, classmates, and aquaintances to our petition and our Facebook group.
If you are interested in finding out how you can help more please contact Megan Cross (cross.megan@gmail.com) or Matt Malkowski (malkow12@msu.edu).