Introduce youngsters to rock climbing at Upper Arlington park

Sure, Columbus doesn’t have mountains, but that doesn’t stop our desire to climb.

Children and adults can exercise this craving at Reed Road Park in Upper Arlington. That’s where you’ll find four natural looking boulders made of concrete on a squishy surface.

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The fabricated boulders were installed at the park in 2012 and manufactured by a Canadian company called RockCraft.

Weighing in at about 3,000 pounds apiece and standing at roughly 8 foot tall, the rocks have sculpted holds and ledges for hands and feet. They’re recommended for ages 5 and up as a way to get a physical and mental workout without experience or safety equipment.

My kids just thought they were fun to climb, not knowing they were exercising and improving their confidence with each upward step.

The park, located at 3855 Reed Rd., also has two sand volleyball courts, baseball diamonds, a multi-purpose trail, a picnic shelter, a small playground and restrooms.