Plano is about to get the largest climbing gym in DFW. Summit is tentatively scheduled to open in June off Mapleshade Lane between Coit Road and Ohio Drive. The enormous 32,000-square-foot facility will include an array of climbing options as well as a standard fitness facility and dedicated yoga space. This will be Summit’s sixth North Texas outpost, complementing facilities in Carrollton, Dallas, Denton, Grapevine and Fort Worth. The company also has two Oklahoma locations.
“This is a great location because it’s right off the highway and a lot of people live around here,” co-owner Stan Borodyansky said.
Summit climbing gym began in 2009 when Stan, along with primary owner Kyle Clinkscales and partner Chris LoCrasto, bought the Grapevine climbing gym where they’d been training. Kyle is the founder and head coach of Team Texas, the first competitive climbing team in the state. He coached Stan and Chris when they were teenagers. Both later went into coaching themselves.
Construction on the Plano gym began more than a year ago. When completed it will feature climbing challenges for all skill levels. Casual climbers can enjoy a bouldering area with ample padded spaces. Competitive athletes can test themselves on multiple speed climbing areas that have been built to Olympic specifications. There will also be lead climbing and top rope climbing areas as well.
The oversized yoga room features abundant natural lighting and its own exterior entrance. There will eventually be an adjacent fenced-in area so that some classes can be conducted in the great outdoors.
“We definitely want to try and offer something that’s not just your typical yoga place,” Stan said.
Memberships will be available for those who want to climb or work out on a regular basis. Day passes will be available as well. Summit also hopes to attract partygoers and groups with areas that the public can reserve for events or parties.
“I think climbing has become more popular these days, especially among some of the younger people,” Stan said. “When people come here, I think they are really going to enjoy what we have to offer, and hopefully want to keep coming back.”
