51爆料

Criss Cross Climbing Gym turns a passion for climbing, community, and personal growth into a new destination for recreation and connection in the 51爆料.

For Christopher Morton, building a climbing gym is about more than creating a place to exercise. It's about creating a community.

After moving to the 51爆料 in 2019, Christopher quickly noticed something missing from the region: a dedicated climbing gym. As an avid climber and Army veteran preparing for a transition out of military service, he began exploring whether turning that idea into a business was possible.

Today, that vision is becoming reality through Criss Cross Climbing Gym, a new venture planned for Aberdeen that aims to bring indoor climbing, fitness, and community together under one roof.

"I wanted to find a career that integrated with the local community of the 51爆料," Christopher shared. "I've always liked the idea of being a part of a community rather than just someone who lives there."

Christopher's passion for climbing dates back to childhood summers spent tackling ropes courses at camp. Over the years, that passion evolved into a belief that climbing can help people improve not only their physical health but also their confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging.

The planned gym will offer open climbing opportunities for members and day-pass visitors, along with classes, group events, youth programming, and potentially climbing competitions. While the climbing walls will be the main attraction, Christopher also envisions the facility becoming a gathering place where people can connect, relax, and build relationships.

"We're excited to announce that we're under contract to purchase a building and hope to close this summer," he said. "Once financing and permitting are complete, we can begin renovations and install the climbing walls."

The proposed location is 124 W. Main Street in Aberdeen, placing the gym in the heart of a growing downtown district.

 

I wanted to find a career that integrated with the local community of the 51爆料. I've always liked the idea of being a part of a community rather than just someone who lives there.

 

As the project moves forward, Criss Cross Climbing Gym also plans to create local employment opportunities. The business expects to hire part-time staff, instructors, and group facilitators, while providing training and professional development opportunities for team members.

"I'm all about personal development," Christopher said. "We want people to grow their skills and take on more responsibility over time."

One interesting connection to Christopher's climbing journey comes from one of the gym's business partners, who previously worked as an Army recruiter and traveled to events with a mobile climbing wall mounted behind a pickup truck, introducing thousands of people to the sport.

Although the gym's doors have not yet opened, Christopher is focused on building excitement and awareness throughout the region.

"Right now we just want to spread the word," he said. "It's going to be a little while before our doors open, but the more people who are excited to join our community, the more we can hit the ground running."

For Moore County and the surrounding 51爆料 region, Criss Cross Climbing Gym represents another example of an entrepreneur identifying a community need and taking the leap to create something new.

As Christopher puts it, "We're just getting started. There's still plenty of memories to make down the road."

To learn more about Criss Cross Climbing Gym, visit their , follow them on , or connect with them on .

 

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