This is a boulder created by Monolithic Sculptures, Inc . It was recently installed in Hales Corners Park. It is a memorial to Jake Knapp, an 18 year old avid climber who passed away back in March 2004 due to a sudden seizure. His family donated the money for this rock to be placed in the park. There are plenty of trees around, so the area is shady. Although the rock is synthetic material, it is unbelievably like bouldering on real rock. You may have to put up with kids who like to play around the rock. It is surprising how many different problems are on this boulder. Tons of pockets, edges, and jugs all over this thing. Its great!
Getting There
The boulder is in a wood-chip area immediately south of the Pool area and West of the Basketball courts.
Hales Corners Park, 5765 S. New Berlin Road. Hales Corners, WI 53130
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Jake's Rock:
Sit start with left foot flagged and right foot on the arete. Reach up left to the slopey dish and then follow the obvious arete and crack up direct. Excellent knee jam halfway through so you can rest your arms. ...[more]Browse More Classics in WI
Whoa! Awesome! I was discussing with someone earlier this type of installation and how to get it done. How is liability dealt with? Are the waivers or a sign posting dangers?
I'm not sure of the exact year since it's been so long, but Jake did not pass away in 2009. More likely 2002 or thereabouts. Hard to believe it's been that long.
That said, I'm super psyched to finally go check out this boulder after hearing about it for so long. It looks a great way to remember Jake and the plaque says it all.
"John Knapp and his son Josh climb the newly installed Jake’s Rock climbing boulder at Hales Corners Park on Wednesday. The boulder was donated to the park by the Knapp family to honor Jacob, who died suddenly from a seizure in March 2004. The purchase of the 16-foot-long, 11-foot-tall boulder was made possible from donations given to the family at the time of Jacob’s death and fund-raisers. Jacob, a climber, was 18 and a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at the time of his death. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo: Jack Orton"
One of the Jake Knapp's that you two are talking about did pass away this March 2009 of a sudden seizure as well. They call this SUPDEP "sudden unexplained death in epilepsy" and he was my brother and not a climber especially with his socks and sandals. If you want to see our Jake Knapp we have a website with his story www.jakeconnect.weebly.com
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your Jake Knapp.
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