Ice skating offers a good cardiovascular workout along with being a fun activity.
Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
The Olive Branch, Mississippi, area offers several ice skating facilities, some of which are in Memphis, about 25 miles north. The area's main ice rink closed in 2003, but there are a few ice skating rinks that offer public skating sessions, private lessons and space to host a party. If you do not own ice skates, you can rent them for a small fee at each rink.
Mid-South Ice House
The Mid-South Ice House, www.midsouthicehouse.com, is located near the center of Olive Branch on Ridgeway Industrial Road off Hacks Cross Road. The rink, set to open in August 2011, offers space for those wanting to learn how to ice skate, ice hockey leagues, figure skating lessons and broomball competition. The rink is in a converted warehouse.
Mississippi RiverKings Arena
The Mississippi RiverKings, www.riverkings.com, a member of the Southern Professional Hockey League, offers public skating at its rink, the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. The skating sessions take place after games on Fridays, Saturdays and some Sundays. The season runs from mid-October to late March. Participants must register during the intermission between the first and second periods of the game. The rate is $2 for skaters who own skates, $3 for those who need to rent skates. Each session is limited to 200 participants. The rink is not open for public skating during the offseason.
Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo, www.memphiszoo.org, installed a seasonal outdoor skating rink on its grounds in 2010 that was open from mid-November to late January. The rink was the first to open in Memphis since the closing of the Ice Chalet at the defunct Mall of Memphis in 2003. Rink admission in 2010 was $5 for those with skates, $6 for those renting skates. Skaters must also pay the zoo admission price. In 2010, the rink was open daily and during zoo special events.
Arkansas Skatium
The Arkansas Skatium, www.arkansasskatium.com, in Little Rock, Arkansas, offers year-round ice skating and is located about 160 miles west of Olive Branch. The Skatium offers youth hockey leagues, adult beginner hockey leagues, adult hockey leagues, pickup hockey games and open ice time. It also offers figure skating practice sessions, with a drop-in option or monthly unlimited plan. The Skatium employs trainers to teach skating basics. The facility also has a snack bar, pro shop and party areas.
References
Resources
About the Author
Allison Horky started writing professionally in 2011. She has been published in "The Michigan Daily" covering topics of gender and sexuality. She is also passionate about community organizing and social justice. Horky is a two-time graduate of the University of Michigan, with a B.A. in sociology and Master of Social Work.
Photo Credits
- Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
