Rock Climbing at Pere Marquette State Park: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Channel: Great Rivers & Routes
Date: 2016-11-27

Pere Marquette State Park in Grafton is now host to a new rock climbing area, a feature expected to attract a steady number of hobbyists from the St. Louis area, as well as across the country. 
The limestone wall officially opened Monday, Nov. 21, with a ribbon cutting ceremony that dozens who were involved in the project, fueled largely by volunteer efforts, attended. 
“It’s the culmination of hard work, grant-seeking and partnerships with the Pere Marquette State Park Foundation and the Illinois Climbing Association,” said the park’s superintendent, Chris Hespin. He added that the project represents two years of commitment from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.