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An ice skating rink with charm |
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Written by Leslie Kawai
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Thursday, 14 February 2008 |
Have you ever heard that so-and-so is related to so-and-so and you think, “I can’t believe I didn’t know that!?” That’s the same feeling I got when I heard about the FREE outdoor ice skating area at the South Jordan City Hall: “How come I’ve never heard about this??”
And…. Now that YOU are hearing about this, you have to act fast… the South Jordan Ice Rink will only be open through February—So, there are just a few weeks left to enjoy this GREAT family, youth group, or couples dating activity!
Every year from December through February, South Jordan turns the fountain area outside of its City Hall and library building into an ice skating rink. During the summer, the entire rink is actually a large fountain and pool of water. During the winter, according to Matt Godfrey, South Jordan recreation coordinator, the Parks department uses a pipe system to freeze and maintain the ice rink. Parks officials keep the ice clean, zamboni the surface on a daily basis, and even keep the multiple fire pits lit and crackling each night.
My children and I heard about the Ice Rink from a friend who lives in South Jordan. We met her and her kids there on a Friday evening, hoping to have a chance to ice skate. Soft lighting, easy listening music playing overhead, fires crackling in the periphery, and moonlight shining down created a cozy and relaxing ambience--I have to admit I felt a little bit like I was in scene from the movie “Serendipity” as we ice skated (this was a nice thing!). And, although a couple of small youth groups came and went, the rink was never crowded and afforded plenty of room for spills, turns, and a “train” of kids.
Rentals are available to the public Monday-Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 3-5 p.m. But,… listen to this… If you want to use skates during the day or at a time when Ice Skate rental hours aren’t available, you can stop by the rental shop the day before during rental hours, pick up the skates, and return them the next day during rental hours (unless it’s over the weekend—then they are due back on Monday).
There’s something inviting, refreshing, and small-town about the South Jordan Ice Rink and its rental program. A warming hut sits adjacent to the rink, with open hours from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Chairs, tables, and a crackling fire invite skaters to gather and visit.
The cost is FREE (yes, FREE to ice skate). In fact, if you have your own skates, you can take them and skate whenever you like. For those who want to rent skates, the South Jordan Ice Rink has a new-in-2007 ice skate rental shop adjacent to The Pie Pizzeria. Skate rentals are $1.50 for ages 16 and older and $1 for ages 15 and younger. Rates for groups of 15 or more are only 50 cents per person. In previous years ice skates were kept in the basement of City Hall and made available only to large groups.
The low cost and fun atmosphere are what make the Ice Rink a hot spot for families and youth groups. According to Glenn (who was manning the rental shop when we went), Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the Ice Rink’s busiest weeknights because of the many youth groups. Saturday afternoons are also busy, with families and teenagers. With a capacity of 200 skaters, the Ice Rink can entertain a large crowd!
Godfrey told me that there are skaters every night. Advertising in the new South Jordan Daybreak community and through local elementary schools and making rentals available to the public has increased awareness of this fun and affordable family activity.
But, word-of-mouth seems to be doing even more to bring people for an evening of ice skating to South Jordan. Several of the people I spoke with at the ice skating rink also had, like me, heard about the rink by word-of-mouth.
Two different people I spoke with said that they had been at the South Jordan library when they heard laughter and looked outside to see ice skaters in the park area outside City Hall… (OK, there is something very inviting about that.).
The South Jordan Recreation Department offers ice skating lessons on most Saturdays through January and February, but you have to act fast to take part. Godfrey said that this year, all of the year’s sessions filled up in December –two weeks before the registration close date (this past year registration opened November 15 and was scheduled to close December 15). The good news is that next year, South Jordan will be offering double the number of lesson sessions! But, if I were you, I’d mark my calendar for September or October to call 1-801-253-5203, ext. 1408 to find out when registration opens.
Until then, take advantage of a unique evening of outdoor ice skating in a relaxing and cozy setting for almost FREE!
IF YOU GO:
• The outdoor South Jordan Ice Rink is located just off of 106th South and Redwood Road at 1600 West Town Center Drive (South of City Hall). There is plenty of parking, and the rink is located next door to The Pie Pizzeria, Café Rio, and several other restaurants and shops.
• Ice skate FREE at rink from December through February. The warm and inviting atmosphere is a great place for families, youth groups, and couples looking for an innovative and inexpensive, yet romantic date!
• Ice skate rentals are available for the public inside the Warming Hut next to the rink. Rentals are available Monday – Friday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 3-5 p.m. If you want to use the ice skates during the day when rentals aren’t available, you can stop by the rental shop the evening before during rental hours to pay for and pick up the skates and then return them the following day (weekend rentals are due back on Monday).
• Rental pricing: Ages 16 and older $1.50 per person; Ages 15 and younger $1 per person
Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more at 50 cents per rental
• For questions or more information, call Matt Godfrey, South Jordan recreation coordinator at (801) 253-5203, ext. 1408 or visit the South Jordan Ice Rink Web site at http://www.sjc.utah.gov/leisureservices/parks-theplaza.asp .
• Dress warm. Because the ice skating was outdoors, we dressed in layers—thermals or pajamas under jeans and a sweater, coat, hat, and gloves did the trick for us on the cold evening we skated. On a warm day you can even wear just a sweater—but gloves are a must!
• Size and fasten the ice skates properly. Lacing up ice skates isn’t too complicated—but you do want to remember to lace the skates firmly from the toe to extend the support line from the toe to the ankle. If, in your hurry to get everyone on the ice, you simply tighten the laces at the top of the skate, your kids will be more wobbly and more prone to falling and twisting an ankle.
WHAT TO BRING:
• Snacks
• Water
• Extra pair of gloves for children, especially toddlers! (I wish I had brought an extra pair of gloves for my son. He did the most falling, and consequently the cotton gloves I brought for him weren’t warm enough. Next time I’ll bring his heavier ski gloves plus an extra pair!
• Camera
• Extra blanket to warm up cold kids in the car! I carry 2 extra blankets in the car to wrap up cold toes and arms. It helps kids warm up quickly until we get the heat going or make a hot cocoa stop.
MAKE YOUR ADVENTURE KID-COOL:
• Take a bathroom trip before you get your gear on and head out the door.
• Dress in layers. My kids each wore 2 layers (thermals and jeans/sweater + coat, gloves and hat. Layering provides the best warmth. It’s always easier to take off a coat or a sweater than to regret not having worn one!!
• No bunched up under layers! Make sure your kids’ socks and thermals are NOT bunched up inside of the skate, but pulled straight and that their outer layer of jeans is also NOT tucked in the skate. Bunched-up fabric around the ankles creates painful skating for your children!
• Plan for hot cocoa. You can buy hot cocoa inside the Warming Hut from a vending machine, or you can dine at one of the local restaurants, including The Pie Pizzeria, Café Rio, and Panda Express. We opted for a stop at 7-Eleven (my kids love to create their own ultimate hot cocoa; 7-Eleven has flavorings, several kinds of marshmallows, sugars, spices, and creams—all of which adds up to a variety of masterpieces that they love, but I’m never quite sure I should try.) |
Discuss (2 posts)
| kklimber
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An ice skating rink with charm
Feb 20 2008 02:49:02
This thread discusses the Content article: An ice skating rink with charm
Hay, just wanted to comment, that my husband and I went to go check this ice skating out after I read about it here and i thought it was really fun. It is small, with music and hot chocolate and it was fun for couples and the kids were really tearin it up to. I really enjoyed it and encourage you to go with the fam! Thanks for the FREE and inexpensive outdoor activity ideas! I could use a hundred more of those!
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#75 |
| mroberts
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Re:An ice skating rink with charm
Feb 20 2008 16:02:22
We're on it! Thanks for the feedback. One of our biggest focus areas is fun, free, and family friendly! If any readers have favorite hot sppots or ideas please send them over to mroberts@heraldextra.com.
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#77 |
Discuss this item on the forums. (2 posts) |
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