parks
Saying ‘yes’ launched nationwide rock-climbing program for Parkinson’s patients
By Debra Alfarone at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aging Untold) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate. One gym said yes. That single decision helped launch a nonprofit now serving more than 1,300 climbers across the country....
Key takeaway (Aging Untold) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville 's own parks and recreation facilities could learn from the success of Upending Parkinson's, a nonprofit that has brought rock-climbing programs to people with Parkinson's disease nationwide. With over 1,300 climbers now participating across 72 locations, it's clear that this type of exercise can have a profound impact on those living with the disease. As Nashville continues to grow and develop its outdoor recreational spaces, incorporating adaptive programs like rock-climbing for people with Parkinson's could be a valuable addition. Local climbing gyms and community centers may consider partnering with organizations like Upending Parkinson's to bring similar programs to the city, providing a unique opportunity for Nashvillians with Parkinson's to experience the physical and cognitive benefits of climbing. By embracing this type of inclusive programming, Nashville can further solidify its reputation as a vibrant and supportive community for people of all abilities.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aging Untold) — A retired physician diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease more than 20 years ago struggled to find a climbing gym that would let him participate. One gym said yes. That single decision helped launch a nonprofit now serving more than 1,300 climbers across the country....
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Debra Alfarone at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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