For the past six years, The Town Pump community bouldering series has been Jackson’s climbing and social event of the summer. Everyone from children to parents and boulderers to alpinists participated in the weekly event, the popularity of which has continued to grow with each passing year.
This summer, the Town Pump almost didn’t happen. Like many businesses and organizations in the Valley, Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation lacked the staffing to run it.
The Teton Climbers’ Coalition, the local nonprofit that advocates, stewards and engages on behalf of the Teton climbing community, learned of Parks and Rec’s struggles late last week. A meeting between the two entities was hastily arranged on Monday, and a partnership to run the bouldering series was forged.
As in years past, Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation will have a presence at the Pump as it continues to foster and facilitate the event: the Department is retaining Teton Climbers’ Coalition board member and stewardship director Chris Owen to help run the Pump. Owen has extensive experience with both the Pump and the Boulder Park, having set the boulder problems at the Park for years.
Unlike years past, all registration will be held online. There will be no in-person registration.
In order to streamline the registration process, a household needs to be set up through the Parks and Rec Registration software prior to registration for this Pump. Registration will open May 24.
“Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation is proud to host this event in collaboration with the Teton Climbers’ Coalition,” said Rachael Zimmerman, Recreation Programs Manager.
This year’s Town Pump will be held on Tuesday evenings from May 31 until Aug. 24 from 6-8 p.m. at the Teton Boulder Park. Sponsorship opportunities may be found here.
On Tuesday, May 24, from 6-8 p.m., The Teton Climbers’ Coalition will host a community clean-up at the Boulder Park to help get it ready for the season. The clean-up is free and open to the public. Register here.