Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
11/21/00
Contacts:
Donna MacNeir, Iowa 4-H Center Director, (515) 795-3338
Tracy S. Petersen, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-9915
Tower Built At Iowa 4-H Center For Climbing, Rappelling
MADRID, Iowa -- Ready for a new adventure and a spectacular view? One of the tallest rappelling and climbing towers has been built at the Iowa 4-H Education and Natural Resources Center near Madrid. The 50-foot tower, equipped with adjustable climbing holds, is designed to attract both rookie and experienced youths and adults. The tower also is handicapped accessible.
"We're aiming for the Cadillac of climbing towers in challenge programming, so this tower will really enhance what we offer," said Donna MacNeir, center manager. "It also will be a challenge for adults. Most towers are 30 feet high, which is nothing for an adult to climb."
The new tower replaces a 25-year-old rappelling tower, MacNeir said. MacNeir, along with 4-H camp program specialist Patrice Lea and Iowa 4-H Foundation executive director Florine Swanson, began working together last June to make their dream of a new and improved tower a reality. The project was funded by a grant from the Maytag Family Foundation through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.
"This is the final aspect of the challenge program," MacNeir said. "Groups start out with our teams course to build their group interaction and support. The next level of challenge could be our high ropes or the new tower. Our staff is fully trained to work with youths, adults and corporate groups."
The center is open year round. Though the primary audience is 4-H youths, the center offers programs to schools, colleges, churches, civic groups and family reunions. The center has five villages with varying prices to accommodate various groups. Each village is complete with bathroom facilities and meeting room space. Food service is available.
For more information about the new climbing and rappelling tower, call the 4-H Center at (515) 795-3338, or email ia4hctr@iastate.edu.
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