Augusta University continues to expand its outdoor recreation offerings with the addition of a new Indoor Bouldering Cave at the University’s Center for Outdoor Recreation & Education (The CORE). Designed and constructed by Eldorado Climbing, the project transformed an existing indoor space into a vibrant, immersive climbing environment that encourages movement, problem-solving, and community connection for students of all experience levels.
A New Kind of Climbing Experience on Campus
Over the past year, Augusta University’s Outdoor Recreation program has evolved rapidly, including facility renovations, a new challenge course, and a climbing tower. The addition of bouldering introduces an everyday, highly accessible climbing option that complements the University’s taller elements by offering a more casual, drop-in experience.
As Bear Welmaker, Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation at Augusta University, explained, “The inspiration for the bouldering cave came from the growing interest in climbing among our students and our desire to create a space that felt fresh, fun, and accessible to everyone.” While the climbing tower delivers a strong vertical experience, Welmaker noted that the University also wanted “a space where students could climb more casually and freely throughout the week.”
That flexibility has proven essential. “The bouldering cave gives students the freedom to stop by between classes, climb with friends, work on skills, study, socialize, or just relax in a low-pressure environment,” Welmaker said. “It has become a versatile space where students can be active, connect with each other, and feel part of the community.”
Designed for Movement, Safety, and Community
From the outset, the Indoor Bouldering Cave was envisioned as a welcoming and supportive environment. The space features creative, low-height bouldering terrain that emphasizes movement, balance, and problem-solving. Padded flooring and a spot-friendly layout prioritize safety, while staff and instructors are readily available to help new climbers feel comfortable exploring the wall for the first time.
Community building was a central goal of the project. “Our primary goal was to create a welcoming and engaging community space for students,” Welmaker said. “We wanted a place where students could be physically active while forming friendships and building connections naturally.” The bouldering cave brings together fitness, student engagement, and social interaction in a single space, encouraging students to try something new and interact with peers across a wide range of backgrounds and skill levels.
Thoughtful Design in a Compact Footprint
Completed as part of a renovation, the project required close coordination with existing building systems and adjacent uses. The indoor location presented several challenges, including limited floor area and an HVAC system running above the planned wall. “Our indoor space came with some significant challenges,” Welmaker explained, “but Eldorado worked closely with us to maximize climbing space without compromising safety or comfort.” He added that the Eldorado team consistently turned constraints into opportunities, designing a wall that feels spacious, dynamic, and engaging.
From a design perspective, the goal was to deliver a wide range of climbing experiences within a relatively small footprint. Melissa Ramos, Design Manager at Eldorado Climbing, described the wall as being perfectly integrated into the space while still offering variety. The finished design includes a deep cave feature, slight overhangs, vertical terrain, and a slab section that introduces technical movement and balance challenges. Ramos noted that the wall was intended to offer more than physical challenges alone, serving as a focal point for community building around the sport of climbing.
Immediate and Meaningful Student Impact
Since opening, the bouldering cave has been embraced enthusiastically by students. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Welmaker said. “Students have embraced the bouldering cave enthusiastically, and it has quickly become a go-to spot in our facility.”
The wall attracts a diverse mix of users, from first-time climbers to experienced members of the climbing club. “Most visitors are first-time climbers, which has been incredibly rewarding to watch as they grow in confidence and skill,” Welmaker shared. At the same time, experienced climbers appreciate the variety and creativity of the routes.
One moment in particular stood out. “I realized the wall was already making an impact during the first week when I saw students coaching each other, celebrating small successes, and forming connections over shared challenges,” Welmaker said. “It was clear that the bouldering cave was creating the supportive and engaging environment we had envisioned.”
A Collaborative Process from Design Through Installation
As a renovation project with unique spatial and technical considerations, success depended on strong collaboration. Welmaker described working with Eldorado as excellent from start to finish, citing the team’s professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine investment in the project.
“Eldorado really listened to our goals and vision, asking thoughtful questions to understand exactly what we needed,” Welmaker said. “They approached every challenge with solutions that enhanced both the functionality and the experience of the wall.” Watching the wall take shape during installation, followed by the first student climbs, was one of the most memorable aspects of the project.
Elevating Recreation at The CORE
Today, the Indoor Bouldering Cave complements Augusta University’s climbing tower and challenge course, rounding out a well-balanced adventure recreation program at The CORE. The space empowers students to challenge themselves, stay active, and build meaningful connections through climbing. Welmaker summarized the experience clearly. “Eldorado combines deep expertise with a collaborative approach and a strong focus on detail. They are a reliable and creative partner for any university looking to add climbing to their facilities.”
Have a climbing wall project in mind? Whether you are planning a new installation or renovating an existing space, Eldorado Climbing partners with universities, recreation centers, and facilities nationwide to design and build custom climbing walls that fit your goals, space, and budget. Contact Eldorado Climbing to start the conversation.
