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Climbing Walls At Maggie Daley Park Officially Open

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The newest, biggest attraction at the wildly popular Maggie Daley Park officially opens on Tuesday.

The Malkin-Sacks Climbing Walls, which are located on the north side of the park,rise to a maximum height of 40 feet and cover a total surface area of 19,000 square feet.

Between 25 and 100 climbers can use the climbing walls at one time. According to the mayor's office, the walls are among the largest public climbing structures in the world.

The walls are divided into different sections for beginners and advanced climbers.

Before using the walls, all first-time participants must either attend a certification class or use the auto-belay equipment.

Bouldering certification (climbing less than 15 feet without a rope) costs $15 and lasts about 15 minutes.

Climbing certification (climbing with ropes and harness) costs $29 and lasts 45-60 minutes.

New climbers may also use auto-belay equipment at $45 per hour to climb immediately.

Private lessons--at $45 per 30 minutes--are also available.

Climbers are required to wear helmets, harnesses and climbing shoes. Boulderers are required to wear helmets and climbing shoes.

Climber On Wall
(Credit: Lisa Fielding)

All equipment is available for rent at the Maggie Daley Park Fieldhouse for $15. If climbers are receiving a certification, the cost of equipment is included. Maggie Daley Park staff is available to certify the safety of users' equipment if they choose to bring their own.

Repeat climbers and boulderers, as well as patrons who bring their own equipment, are able to climb for a $7 daily fee or a $55 monthly fee. Season passes are also available for $299. Certifications are kept on file for one year.

Climbers must be at least four years of age to climb. Climbers under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

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