A 15,000 square foot indoor rock-climbing gym and fitness center could be a nice fit for Ripon.

That much and more was mentioned at the Ripon Planning Commission on Dec. 16.

Commissioners were unanimous in approving the Conditional Use Permit for the Alpine Climbing and Fitness Center, as submitted by local resident Jonathan Meek.

For the past six months, he’s been working with staff on plans to construct the proposed steel framed building with a 55-foot roof height along an adjusted lot line of 5.14 acres parcel to create a 2.23-acre site – near Tractor Supply Company (860 Jack Tone Road) and Boat Country (850 Kamps Way) – according to Director of Planning Ken Zuidervaart.

“(Indoor rock-climbing) facilities are being constructed across the U.S. but none have been built locally,” said Meek, who envisions a building would have enough windows for drivers traveling along Highway 99 to see the climbers.

The building would also feature a mezzanine area, locker rooms, party room, children’s area, a speed-climbing area and fitness area, he added.

Commissioner George Saljian noted that if the building is visible from the freeway, he wants to make sure that it looks good – he and Commissioner Gary Barton, for the next step, would like to see the architectural design components of this building go before staff prior to review and approval.

Meek indicated that he wanted to construct the building in the upper corner of the lot along Garrison Way in the Mix Use District but waited for planning commission approval before investing money in the architecture.

“This is a great fit for Ripon,” said Commissioner David Collins, who appreciated Meek for bringing the indoor rock-climbing facilities to Ripon.

Commissioners, in addition, approved the plan with the caveat that the architectural design go before them for review and approval