Fifth grader Patrick Wheeler, 10, grabs the grips on a new rock climbing wall Jan. 10 at Falcon Elementary School in Falcon School District 49. The Falcon Elementary School PTA coordinated fundraisers that collected $1,200 for the roughly eight-foot high wall, according to Melissa Ardolf, PTA president. The PTA also received an anonymous gift of $2,500. Ardolf says a surge in community benevolence, including support from Brian Shelton of Front Range Climbing Company, allowed the students to receive the feature four months ahead of schedule. The transverse wall's wide design and colorful grips permit safe horizontal climbing without the need for ropes or a harness. "We have a big rock climbing community in Colorado," said Ardolf, who's also the school's physical education teacher. "I wanted the kids to get the experience at a young age, see if they're interested in it. It also helps build confidence and strength."