Louisville rock climbing gym to close after 30 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- After 30 years, the Rocksport Climbing Gym in Louisville is closing its doors.

It was originally established by Rob Butsch and after his death, ownership transitioned to Ralph Pettit and his son Dale.

The father and son modernized the place and then reopened in 2019. They decided to close for financial reasons.

They hope to find a new, more affordable location in the future.

"We tried to talk to the real estate owner about selling the property and that's not something he wanted to do," owner Ralph Pettit said. "He has been good to us, putting us on a month-to-month lease, not increasing the rent anymore after 2021 but the gym is just not making money."

The last opportunity to climb at this location will be Feb. 28.

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