For more than 30 years, Owensboro Parks & Recreation has provided the community with a Learn-to Skate program. While skating skills are the main focus, lessons learned stick with the students well after they step off the ice.
Initially held at the former Owensboro Ice Arena, the ice skating classes transitioned to the Edge Ice Center when it opened in 2009.
Kerry Bodenheimer, Recreation Superintendent for the Parks & Recreation Department, 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.
Over the past year, 7-year-old Amelia Bowlds and 5-year-old Caelum Bowlds have been participating in the Learn-to Skate program.
“They truly have enjoyed their time on the ice with their instructors and new friends,” their mother Ashley said. “Everyone has been so friendly and patient with our kids. We have been impressed with the program and how new skills are taught as our kid’s skating levels have advanced. They have developed a real sense of achievement as they advance through each new skating level. The instructors take time with each skater to teach new skills and are always there to encourage and support them. “
Ashley said Amelia quickly noticed the purple figure skating club jackets that the older girls were wearing when she started the program.
“We were rather shocked when she set a goal to make it into the club,” Ashely said. “She was so excited when she was accepted to join the club at her young age. She also joined the newly developed synchronized skating class. When she’s on the ice with her new friends, her face lights up, and she smiles so big. It melts our hearts to see her so happy.”
Sam Hollis recently turned 6 years old and is now in his first season in the Owensboro Youth Hockey Program after starting classes last season. His mother Kelly said it’s been amazing to watch his progress in such a short time.
“From being shaky on skates about a year ago to scoring goals is fun to watch,” she said. “Skating lessons at the Edge has helped Sam develop self-confidence in learning new things.”
Learn-to-Skate classes are offered throughout the year and are available for all ages, including adults.
Angela Onstott is an adult skater who recently enrolled in the program. Onstott attended an online university through the end of 2022 while also working in an office full-time. After graduating, she wanted to get involved with something that would keep her active and allow her the opportunity to pursue something just for fun.
“I picked ice skating lessons at the Edge and got started in January 2023 at the Alpha level. I ended up enjoying it — a lot,” she said. “After just a handful of classes, I knew fairly early that I wanted to stick with the sport, so I bought my first set of ice skates and customized them. On a small set of engraved lace plates, I had a fitting quote from Queen Elizabeth II: ‘It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.’”
Onstott said she believes the biggest hurdle for adults to sign up for classes is the worry over falling or feeling like they are behind in starting “at their age.” Those thoughts crossed her mind before she signed up, but she has since progressed to Freestyle 1.
“The instructors and other students I’ve met at Edge will encourage you,” she said. “The falls mean we’re trying, and those small efforts or steps we take with each day we show up to practice help us to build and make long-lasting progress towards our goals, whatever they may be.”
The next registration deadline for the Edge Ice Center’s Learn-to-Skate program 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 or to register, call the Edge Ice Center at 270-687-8720 or visit owensboroparks.org. For information on the Owensboro Youth Hockey Association, visit owensborohockey.com. For information on the Owensboro Figure Skating Club, visit skateOFSC.com.
