Community Health
1:51 pm by Annie Osenbaugh
Our community is the most important part of BKB. That means keeping you healthy is our top priority. Below you’ll find the Community Health Standards we’ve put in place to do just that. If you are experiencing any flu or cold-like symptoms, please stay home and return when you are well. BKB reserves the right to change our screening processes as required by the CDC or local regulation.
Please Note
Already got the vaccine? We've updated our health screenings to include COVID-19 vaccination verification for those who have received it. In keeping with CDC and local recommendations, you may be approved for maskless climbing by showing your vaccination card. Please see below for effective dates for this change at your location.
Deep Cleaning
Daily
We will be increasing our staff and the frequency of our cleanings. All high-touch surfaces will be cleaned every two hours with each facility fully deep-cleaned daily. We will be using hospital grade disinfectants to ensure surfaces are thoroughly disinfected. Our locations are now equipped with electrostatic sprayers as well. This touchless electrostatic technology allows disinfectant to wrap around surfaces and objects, providing more effective coverage than traditional spray bottles, buckets, and rags.
Schedule Your Climb
Reservation System
We invite you to use our new registration system to plan your 90 minute visit in advance and help our community to continue to socially distance responsibly. While reservations will not be required, a reservation is the only way to guarantee access.
What to Expect
Shirts, Shoes + Masks* Required
Staff + community members are required to wear a mask* at all times within the facility. Bandanas, gaiters, and neck buffs are no longer considered acceptable face coverings. Shirt and shoes are also required.
*In keeping with CDC and local recommendations, you may be approved for maskless climbing by showing your vaccination card. Effective 5/19/21 in NYC, 5/24/21 in Chicago, and 5/29/21 in Somerville.
Contactless Check-In
If you have made a reservation online, or saved your credit card information on your account, your check-ins will be contactless. Members with BKB swipe cards can also enjoy a contactless check-in. Need a swipe card? Ask the front desk on your next visit—protective shields have also been installed at the front desk for your protection.
Hand Sanitizing Stations
To keep our hands germ-free, we have stocked our facilities with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for lockers and equipment. You’ll find the first sanitizing station located at the entrance, with additional stations throughout the facility.
Increased Cleaning
Facilities will operate on limited hours to allow more time for cleaning between days of operation.
Route, Floor + Flow Markings
To make it easy for all to abide by social distancing guidelines, you’ll find route, floor, and flow markings installed to indicate the appropriate places to climb and stand while maintaining 6 feet of distance between staff, guests, and members.
Hands Free Doors
To limit the number of surfaces staff, members and guests come in contact with, all doors throughout the space will be automated or propped open for hands-free entries and exits.
Limited Locker Room Use
You can find open-air storage and lockers throughout the facility, but locker rooms will be restricted to use for bathrooms and changing only.
Liquid Chalk
Liquid chalk, made with at least 60% alcohol, has been found to be disinfecting and will be provided at no additional cost. If you would like to purchase your own, liquid chalk with 80% alcohol can be found in the retail sections of each facility. We’re currently not allowing loose chalk to be used in facilities.
How to Prepare
BYO Water + Gear
Water fountain access will be strictly limited. We encourage everyone to bring their own water or purchase a water bottle at the front desk.
Members and guests are encouraged to bring their own climbing shoes and harnesses but rentals are now available at all locations.
Credit Cards Only
To avoid passing germs through cash, we will only be accepting credit card payments. If you do not already have a credit card on file, you can store your information upon your first visit for touchless transactions going forward.
In Summary
NO:Cash, loose chalk, maskless faces, bare feet, showers, saunas, group exercise classes, birthday parties.
Spread Love Not Germs:
Please no handshakes, high fives, hugs, fist bumps + interpersonal physical contact with our staff and others.
And please, as always, WASH YOUR HANDS.
Ready to Climb?
Reserve a spot to climb or connect with a community advisor to reactivate your membership.