re: Climbing in Topeka?

Question
I recently moved to Ks. in Dec. 2007 from Oregon and found a job
supervising an indoor wall, I saw your messages about your climbing exp.'s
and I feel that Topeka would benefit by having a place for anyone to try it. I
personally have 15 years exp. in climbing and have almost traveled the U.S., I
think there are only a handful of states I haven't been to, but some day I will
cover it to Maine! If you can help me find a way to get something started for
Topeka , like a grant or something that would be great.

Answer
Dear Drea,

I'm here in California and not aware of resources available in Kansas.  I have two suggestions for you, though both are very general.  

First, go to this website:
          http://www.americanalpineclub.org/

and submit a question or two outlining what you need and explaining what you wish to begin.  The folks at the Alpine Club know what's going on in every state and should have some useful comment.

Second, and this would require some time, you might enquire at Topeka public schools to see what physical education initiatives they'd be interested in pursuing.  Grants for such projects (climbing wall at a high school?  Climbing wall for use by all the schools?) might be available if you've got a very specific plan.  You'd need to be all over safety and cost.  This second suggestion would require a ton of effort on your part, but would likely do a great deal of good.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.  Please keep me posted and ask follow-up questions if you think I can help further.

Yours,

Bob Walton