Officials at the Edge Ice Center seek to provide opportunities for every person in the community to learn to ice skate — including a program for students who are homeschooled.
Kerry Bodenheimer, Recreation Superintendent for the Parks & Recreation Department, said the Home School Skate program is on winter break currently but she’s excited for it to pick back up in January.
“If you’re being homeschooled, you don’t necessarily have access to other physical activities as you would in a school setting, and so this program was created to be able to offer that physical activity to those that are being homeschooled,” she said.
The program runs during the traditional school year with a holiday break. Skaters can come in from 1-3:30 p.m. and skate for $5 on the first and third Fridays of every month.
Bodenheimer said all students under 16 can participate with a parent or guardian during their regular session.
For more than 30 years, Owensboro Parks & Recreation has also provided the community with a Learn-to-Skate program. Initially held at the former Owensboro Ice Arena, the ice skating classes transitioned to the Edge Ice Center when it opened in 2009.
Bodenheimer attributes the program’s success to its focus on not only teaching ice skating skills, but also fostering essential life skills such as improved self-confidence, teamwork, and social skills.
Learn-to-Skate classes are offered throughout the year and are available for all ages, including adults. The next registration deadline is January 5. Classes begin January 8 and take place on Mondays or Tuesdays depending on the skill level. The session will go until February 13, followed by a session that will run from February 19-March 26.
For more information on the various skating programs, call the Edge Ice Center at 270-687-8720 or visit owensboroparks.org.
