Hitting the Wall: A Reflection on BOLDR

Back in 2001, after decades of designing playground equipment for companies like BigToys, Iron Mountain Forge, PlayBoosters, and Kompan, I decided to try something new. I wanted to bring the spirit of real climbing into parks and playgrounds. That vision became BOLDR Climbing Systems.

What drove me was a simple idea: too many playgrounds had become so over-engineered for safety that they no longer gave kids the chance to make mistakes — or to learn from them. I believed that children need opportunities to test their limits, take responsibility, and build judgment. Climbing seemed like the perfect way to offer that kind of challenge.

Designing BOLDR

The walls we created weren’t toys — they were real climbing structures. Each section was made of steel-reinforced precast concrete, weighing two to three tons. We craned them into place like sculptures.

The TrainR System offered five unique modules — the Bend, Wall, Chimney, Overhang, and Sign — which could stand alone or be combined into more complex designs. Later, with the GeoSculpt line, we took things a step further, carving realistic surfaces so kids could experience climbing that felt closer to natural rock.

I was proud of the details: UV-resistant handholds reinforced against impact, bolted down with stainless steel hardware; smooth, sealed wall surfaces that could stand up to graffiti and weather. These walls were built to last.

Reception & Philosophy

When we first brought BOLDR to market, each system cost around $30,000 — a price that made sense for larger “destination parks” with ball fields, trails, and other amenities. By early 2001, about 18 systems were already installed across the U.S. and Canada, with more scheduled to follow.

Not everyone was immediately convinced. Some worried about liability and injuries. But I reminded people that the exposure was often small — many climbs were just two or three feet off the ground, with wood fiber surfacing below. More importantly, I resisted setting strict age limits. The walls themselves dictated who could use them: strength, coordination, and persistence naturally determined which children could handle which routes.

That was the heart of my philosophy: instead of eliminating risk, let children learn to assess it. The designer shouldn’t control the whole experience — the child should.

What Became of BOLDR

Looking back now, BOLDR didn’t survive as a business. Our vision was ambitious, but the costs of concrete construction and crane installation made it hard to scale. Safety regulations grew tighter, and the fear of liability made some communities hesitant. At the same time, indoor climbing gyms and lighter, modular climbing systems became more accessible and affordable.

Some of the original BOLDR walls still stand in parks today, and I like to think they’ve inspired thousands of kids to climb a little higher and trust themselves a little more. While the company is gone, the spirit behind it remains: playgrounds should give children a chance to take real risks, learn judgment, and discover their own strength.