Climbing Wall Comes to Holmdel Park

Visitors to Holmdel Park were surprised to see giant climbing wall stationed off the main entrance road on August 7. 

The 25-foot faux stone pillar had been carted in to generate interest in the Outdoor Adventures Dept. operating out of Thompson Park, which features a huge wooden climbing wall, low and high ropes, a zip line and more. 

All afternoon people stood in lines for their opportunity to take a free shot at scaling one of the three sides. They had to overcome sweaty hands that made gripping slippery; ledges that blocked the view of handholds, and raw fear. 

The reward was worth it, said a 43-year old Hazlet mother. "That was awesome! Exhilarating, to be able to reach the top," said Ann-Margaret Duminski. She said she'd never tried rock-climbing before, but was motivated to try it with her daughter, Victoria, looking on.  

Three Parks employees were on hand to strap safety harnesses onto climbers. The brave ranged from small children to a grandmother in her 70s, said Kathy Casey, the head counselor for the Outdoor Adventure Dept. summer camp programs. The harnesses were secured to a hydraulic belay system which, Casey said, made it impossible to fall. 

"Kids came non-stop for four hours. There must have been at least 75 of them," said Casey, who oversaw the event held from 1 to 5 p.m.

Brea Carlstrom, 10, of Atlantic Highlands said attempting to climb the wall was both "Hard, and fun." She had to pull back from getting all the way to the top, because, she said, it was difficult to see where the next grip was. "I had nowhere to put my hand or foot," she said.

If you'd like to try the wall, the next Climb Time free event will be in Colts Neck's Dorbrook Recreation Area on Sunday, August 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.