Sender One Plans New Indoor Climbing Gym at Janss Marketplace

Thousand Oaks City Council approves special zoning to allow for the climbing gym's signature kids' experience

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Sender One, a popular rock-climbing gym chain, plans to open its seventh Southern California location at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks. The Thousand Oaks City Council voted 4-0 to grant a special height-limit overlay that will allow the building's roof to reach 65 feet, which Sender One's co-founder and CEO Alice Kao says is necessary to accommodate the gym's unique "Sender City" kids' climbing area.

Why it matters

Rock climbing has surged in popularity in recent years, with a 76% increase in U.S. climbing gyms between 2014 and 2023. The 2018 documentary "Free Solo" and the sport's Olympic debut in 2020 have also helped drive interest. Sender One's new location will provide Thousand Oaks residents, including families, with a new fitness and recreational option.

The details

Sender One, founded by Alice Kao about 20 years ago after a relationship breakup, has expanded to five additional locations since opening its first gym in 2013. The company plans to open two more locations, including the new Thousand Oaks gym at Janss Marketplace, which will feature the signature "Sender City" kids' climbing area that requires the extra building height.

  • The Thousand Oaks City Council approved the special zoning on January 27, 2026.
  • Sender One plans to open the new Thousand Oaks location in early 2027.

The players

Sender One

A popular rock-climbing gym chain that plans to open its seventh Southern California location at the Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks.

Alice Kao

The co-founder and CEO of Sender One, who spoke to the Thousand Oaks City Council in support of the special zoning approval.

Thousand Oaks City Council

The local government body that voted 4-0 to grant Sender One a special height-limit overlay to allow for the construction of the new climbing gym.

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What they’re saying

“I think having this extra height really enhances the climbing experience. One of the things that we offer that is very unique in the climbing gym industry is the kids area called Sender City, and we require the height to make it... it's just an exciting experience for participants.”

— Alice Kao, Co-founder and CEO, Sender One (The Acorn)

“I think this is a good idea for the Janss Mall [sic] to bring these experiences to the mall. They already have a jumping area (Sky Zone) and the Dave & Buster's, which is a good addition to the shopping experience. This would add to it... My son's a big wall climber, so he would be very interested in this place.”

— Bob Engler, Councilmember (The Acorn)

What’s next

Sender One will now submit a complete formal planning application, and climbers can expect the new Thousand Oaks location to open in early 2027.

The takeaway

Sender One's new indoor climbing gym at Janss Marketplace will provide Thousand Oaks residents, including families, with a unique fitness and recreational option as rock climbing continues to surge in popularity nationwide.