Current day, Eble Park Ice Arena. Kathy, Jackie and I decided to try the Open Skate and see just how much we remember from our past. I had a coupon from the Entertainment book for one free admission with the purchase of one. Dressed in my black ski jacket, we entered the building just before 2pm this past Saturday afternoon. We asked how old for the senior price and the young girl said she had no idea, no one has ever asked her before. Oh ok. Then she followed that with, I am sure its fine. (so either we look so old that she was sure we were seniors, or whatever hehe) So saving a dollar fifty, we three seniors needed to get on some skates. Kathy had her own figure skates with her (so visions of a pro filtered in) but Jackie and I went to the window to rent some. They were great looking skates, but definitely not figure skates, these were hockey skates, something I have never worn.
As we were putting on our skates we noticed a lot of younger kids were anxiously waiting to get on the ice. There were some 3 or 4 year olds, with two bladed skates. There was a group of young teens, laughing and anticipating the fun they were going to have. And there was a birthday party with a few kids who seemed very new to ice skating. Wait, yes, there were some parents who were along for the ride, we would not be the only humans over the age of 14 on the ice.
We waited as the zamboni finished cleaning the ice after the hockey practice, and then the door was opened and people took to the ice, well some took to the ice literally, falling as they stepped onto it. But the three amigos (that's us) walked on like pros. As it turned out, Kathy had just been at the Petite Ice Center a couple weeks ago, so she was tuned up and ready to glide. Jackie and myself, we walked and balanced more than skated at the start, but within 5 minutes, the feel of skating was there.
There were about 60 people on the ice which grew to about 75. Yes, all ages were represented. One thing you always have to be aware of what is in front of you because the small frys seem to fall constantly. They are much closer to the ice, so they hop right back up, but you have to be ready to turn or go around a body at a moments notice. There were also some future skating stars practicing and that is also fun to watch. After skating a while, part of you want to try something, like a little jump or a quick turn to skate backwards, but the other part of you, wants to remain upright and not risk falling. So I did a small circle turn, a few feet of skating backwards, and that was that.
Jackie expressed it best, "I never would have thought I would be spending an afternoon ice skating" as Kathy chimed in.."And would probably never miss not doing it" BUT both agreed it was fun afternoon and we were all glad we took the time to do it.
Eble Park Ice Arena is in Brookfield, on Bluemound road. Open Skating is during the week 1-3pm or on weekends from 2-4. Admission is $6.00 adults, $4.50 seniors/juniors, and skate rental is $2.50
Everything you need is there, its easy to do, you just have to take the time to do it.
another three thumbs up.
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