Walking into Adventus Climbing, it comes as no surprise that the building is bustling with people as individuals of all ages are found top roping, bouldering and cheering for one another. With a reputation for being Toledo’s first, full-service rock climbing center, their grand opening one year ago was a meaningful moment for Toledo. In conjunction with other urban planning initiatives underway in the city to attract more residents, Toledo’s ability to host a climbing facility was a pretty big deal. According to the Climbing Business Journal, the number of climbing gyms in the U.S. has increased by 76% in the past 10 years, and Toledo now joins a number of cities as part of an increasingly popular activity nationwide.
And for rock climbing enthusiasts who otherwise would need to travel to other cities like Detroit, Cleveland or Columbus to find a similar facility, this climbing center is putting Toledo on the map.
But the significance of its establishment goes beyond the mere construction of the building. How Adventus came into being was destiny.
“So, the story of Adventus Climbing and how we came to be in Toledo started with lots of different paths that all converged into one,” said Laura Hoag, operations manager at Adventus Climbing.
As Laura and her husband began the preliminary steps of making their long-time dream of opening a climbing center in Toledo a reality, fate would have them cross paths with other like-minded individuals who were dreaming and planning the exact same thing.
“We just have such a story of connections […] we all agree that it was destiny […] it’s just such an awe-inspiring experience that we all came together,” said Hoag. “It’s beyond explanation that we all connected in the way we did. Just really incredible. I mean, it’s our adventus,” she said.
Gradually, their team grew and Adventus Climbing was born.
“Adventus was the name that originally was the inspiration, the Latin for advent or the approach, the arrival,” said Hoag, ” … the metaphorical climb, you approach a wall, you approach a route, and you arrive at the top … that resonated with all of us.”
Adventus has proven itself to be more than just a place for people to climb indoors, it’s also become a hub for fostering community.
“I can’t tell you how many people have come up and said that they have felt welcomed here and they found a connection to an activity that they never expected. And that they feel, they feel included. And … you’ll see out here, like people cheering for each other, they don’t really know each other,” said Hoag.
Since they opened their doors in August 2023 to the end of that same year, their membership exceeded projections by 200 members and continues to grow. What has attracted many people to the sport is also its holistic health benefits. Research has shown that rock climbing improves physical and mental health, communication skills and boosts confidence. It’s the interaction of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual layers that really makes climbing a unique experience.
For Adventus, it’s their mission to build healthy people, healthy families and healthy communities.
“[W]hat we hope to do is increase the health and wellbeing of the northwest Ohio community,” said Hoag, “and especially when we look at Ohio, when you look at the health, or lack thereof … just to provide fun — it’s fun and it works your entire body.
Rock climbing is a complete, full-body workout. “It’s cardio, strength, flexibility, everything. And it’s mental stamina and determination. It’s the whole package,” said Hoag.
The personal benefits of climbing also translate into everyday life. The various routes, called “problems,” teach real-life problem-solving and envision alternative solutions to the challenges we face.
To Hoag, “It’s that journey of taking one step at a time towards a better self. So it’s striving towards the metaphorical top of a climb.”
And also, not giving up until you reach it.
“Resilience, learning that you might fall once, but then when you get back on that wall, you’re going for that next hold, said Hoag, “and trying to get just a little bit higher.”
Today marks one year since Adventus opened its doors to the public. Now is a great opportunity to visit, whether you’re a seasoned climber or someone new to the activity. To find out more about their programs offered and hours of operation, please visit Adventus Climbing’s website. Find your adventus.