Share this Story
It's the Climb
Alpine Tower, a partnership between Virginia Wesleyan and the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, a welcome addition for VWC†s academic, recreation and athletic programs and beyond
By Leona Baker | October 6, 2011
No, it†s not a giant medieval weapon. Or a pirate ship. It†s the new Alpine Tower, an imposing assemblage of massive wooden beams, ropes, swings and platforms that stands 50 feet tall and weighs more than 18,000 pounds. The tower, designed for climbing and teambuilding exercises, was recently put in place in the grassy area along the tree line off of Smith Drive, just west of the main entrance to the VWC campus.
On a sunny fall afternoon, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Dr. Doug Kennedy and a small group of Virginia Wesleyan students have gathered at the base of the tower. Senior recreation and leisure studies major Kefentse Budd straps on a climbing harness and begins his ascent though a series of obstacles with names like the †Beanstalk,†the †Corporate Ladder,†the †Missing Link,†the †Floating Poles†and the †Diabolical Seesaw.â€
About two thirds of the way up, Budd is challenged by a section of cargo netting that is attached at an odd angle to the footholds and beams below it. After a minute or so, he maneuvers his way onto the netting and climbs to the triangular platform at the very top of the tower.
†It was OK except for that top rope,†Budd says once he†s been safely lowered to the ground with an assist from fellow student Christian Almy †14, who†s manning the belay device that†s attached to an anchor on the ground. †That was kind of scary, but it†s actually pretty cool looking down at everybody.â€
Both Budd and Almy are enrolled in Dr. Kennedy†s Rec 345 †Ropes Course and Group Facilitation Methods†class.
The Alpine Tower is the result of a partnership between Virginia Wesleyan College and the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. The YMCA provided the funding for the structure itself in exchange for use of the land. The YMCA will use the tower primarily in the summer for its camps and youth activities, while VWC will utilize the tower for classes, recreation activities and teambuilding programs mostly during the academic year.
†It has always been a joy,†says Dr. Kennedy of the College†s long-running relationship with the YMCA, which has held children†s summer camps on the Wesleyan campus for many years. †The two organizations work so well together.â€
Virginia Wesleyan is now the only school in Virginia that has an Alpine Tower on its main campus. The tower, which is produced by a company called Alpine Tower International, will also be available for use by outside groups for a fee and is an extension of the College†s existing Outdoor Achievement Center, which focuses on individual, group and team development.
As many as 36 participants at once, including as many as six climbers, can engage in a variety of challenges on the Alpine Tower. Among them is the †Giant Swing by Choice,†which connects to a pole situated 110 feet away from the center of the tower. The upper platform of the tower can even be used as a campsite for as many as six people to spend the night while harnessed in for safety. The tower is also equipped for use by people with various physical limitations and disabilities.
Safety is a primary concern both when the tower is in use and when it†s not. The location of the tower was chosen in part because it is easily visible from the College†s gatehouse, which is staffed by security personnel 24 hours a day. The lower ascent routes of the tower are blocked when the tower is not in use. When it is being used, two Alpine Tower certified safety specialists are present at all times.
†The Alpine Tower and our Batten Center climbing wall are the two safest places on campus,†says Kennedy. †Where else are you harnessed in with two certified safety specialists watching your every move?â€
The Alpine Tower is a welcome addition for Virginia Wesleyan†s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, the College†s RecX program, and a variety of student organizations as well as a symbol of one of VWC†s many invaluable community partnerships.
Outside groups wishing to experience the Alpine Tower may contact Dr. Doug Kennedy at 757-455-3305 to discuss their needs.