Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition

05/18/2026

Calling all coffee-loving-climbers! Swing by Rockwell Park (close to ASCEND Point Breeze!) for happy hour and get a FREE oat milk beverage on the house, courtesy of Oatly! Along with a special edition drink special, horchata 👏

🕧WHEN: Wednesday, May 20 I 9am-12pm
📍WHERE: Commonplace Coffee - Rockwell Park (7514 Thomas Blvd suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15208)

Pay it forward by making a donation to SWPACC, and will match your donation 🥰

05/04/2026

5/4-5/7: CLIMBING CLOSURE

ATTENTION: Frank Curto Park will be temporarily CLOSED TO CLIMBING from Monday, May 4 through Thursday, May 7. Allegheny Goatscape will be bringing their friendly goats to help trim back the brush along the steep hillside below the belay area. The entrance to the climbing area will be blocked off and fencing will be placed to contain the goats. This is the start to a multi-phase process to restore the hillside’s ecology with native plants. Thank you, Allegheny Goatscape!

04/30/2026

The goats will be so happy 🐐! Next week, will be making a visit to tackle the growth on the steep hillside below the belay area at Frank Curto Park.

Last night, in the rain, SWPACC volunteers hauled out a literally ton of junk to make way for the goats. 😮‍💨

Thank you to everyone who pitched in on this important project!

04/16/2026

Climbers! A friendly reminder to share your thoughts with Access Fund! Survey is live through April 17!
This survey is an important effort to better understand climbers across the country -- how they see themselves, what they value, how they think about stewardship, conservation, and advocacy, and the role that national and local climbing advocacy organizations play in protecting their interests. The insights will directly inform how Access Fund can better serve and support the community in the years ahead.

Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts!
https://www.accessfund.org/latest-news/take-our-2026-climber-survey

Oh yeah - and there are prizes involved. 😁

Hey you. Yes you. The one who said “Today’s the day!” about sending their project. Again.

We see you, and right now, we need a favor.

Access Fund is asking climbers everywhere to tell us what they truly care about. Your answers will help shape the future of climbing conservation. You know, the future of the places you'll happily drive three hours to, just to get punted off the rock. (You love it though).

Share your opinions with us and be entered to win some really cool prizes—37 prizes to be exact. That's about as many times as you said "okay, one more go" before finally sending your proj.

If you care about protecting climbing's future, take our survey: https://www.accessfund.org/latest-news/take-our-2026-climber-survey

If you don't, well, you do you, boo.

📸: Todd Bukowski

04/05/2026

Join us for another workday at Ohiopyle! This coming Saturday 4/11 at Bruner Run. Get more details and register at https://www.swpacc.org/calendar/.

04/04/2026

TAKE THIS SURVEY! Help shape the future of climbing conservation with Access Fund. Survey deadline is 4/17.

Hey you. Yes you. The one who said “Today’s the day!” about sending their project. Again.

We see you, and right now, we need a favor.

Access Fund is asking climbers everywhere to tell us what they truly care about. Your answers will help shape the future of climbing conservation. You know, the future of the places you'll happily drive three hours to, just to get punted off the rock. (You love it though).

Share your opinions with us and be entered to win some really cool prizes—37 prizes to be exact. That's about as many times as you said "okay, one more go" before finally sending your proj.

If you care about protecting climbing's future, take our survey: https://www.accessfund.org/latest-news/take-our-2026-climber-survey

If you don't, well, you do you, boo.

📸: Todd Bukowski

03/12/2026

Our ‘We Are Climbers’ shirts have been a favorite in the SWPACC community for years! This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting how this shirt continues to fuel two vital missions in our region.

🫶 The Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI): Driving the future of women’s health research.

🫶 SWPACC: Ensuring that local climbing stays accessible and sustainable for generations to come.

Whether you’re grabbing your first one or replacing a well-worn favorite, your purchase helps us continue our work.

👕 Women’s + Unisex Cuts Available at swpacc.square.site/

03/03/2026

SWPACC’s Access & Stewardship Committee has some upcoming meetings and workdays scheduled. Help us jump enthusiastically into 2026!

Learn more and register at https://www.swpacc.org/calendar/swpacc-community-meetings-events/.

12/06/2025

OUR ANNUAL MEETING & SOCIAL WAS A BIG SUCCESS!
On November 17, roughly 30 SWPACC Members and other local climbers met for our Annual Meeting. It was a great opportunity to meet each other, socialize, and hear a brief year-in-review from SWPACC President, Ginette Walker Vinski.

Congratulations to the new board members!

Eli Boley
Caleb Hills (returning board member)
Valerie Kramer (returning board member)
Meredith Soeder
Mike Varlotta (returning board member)
Jacob Zarick

These individuals were voted to serve on the SWPACC board of directors by well over a majority of joint Access Fund/SWPACC Members during our annual meeting/social.

Thank you to our departing board members! We sincerely thank Joel Brady (founding board president), Mak O’Connor, and Marcus Shoffner for their service to the organization as board members. Thank you for your contributions!

11/13/2025

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL MEETING & SOCIAL! 🥳 Join members of the Southwestern PA Climbers Coalition on Monday, November 17 from 7pm-9pm at Velum Fermentation for an evening of celebration and camaraderie.

An opportunity to meet each other and socialize, the meeting will also feature a brief year-in-review and an introduction of the candidates who are running for the SWPACC board. Velum has generously offered $1 off drinks. Light appetizers will also be available. Come hang out and spend time with SWPACC and deepen ties with your local climbing community.

MORE INFO AND RSVP: https://www.swpacc.org/2025/11/02/youre-invited-swpacc-annual-meeting-nov-17/