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Public Skating Sessions
What is a Public Skate?
A public skating session is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy some leisurely time on the ice. Beginners, recreational skaters, figure skaters and hockey players are all welcome (no hockey sticks allowed).
Public Skate Schedules
We regularly offer public skate periods at the R.P. Lumber Center rink, including sessions for all ages, for adults only and themed events.
Themed Skates and Other Special Events
$5 Fridays
Every Friday, we offer selected sessions for $5 each! Admission to the rink and skate rental are included in the price; check the monthly schedule for $5 Friday times. Please note that not all Friday sessions offer this promotion!
Public Skate Session Admission Prices
Members can enjoy the public skate sessions for free (with the exception of our themed skates). Admission fees apply for non-members.
| RESIDENT TYPE | PRICE |
| District 7 (admission only) | $8 |
| Non-District 7 (admission only) | $10 |
Skates and skating aids are available for rent.
What to Bring
Participants can bring their own skates, a helmet or a hat and gloves, as needed. (Skates and skating aids are also available to rent.) Please check out the "rules tab" on this page for details on what's not allowed.
Learn How to Skate
We offer beginner programs for all ages. Visit our Learn to Skate page for details.
Private Lessons
We have several instructors who offer private lessons to help skaters improve their skills with more individualized attention. All instructors are private contractors and work independently of the R.P. Lumber Center and the City of Edwardsville when conducting private lessons. Please contact the instructor you are interested in for availability.
Private Instructor List
Rental Skates and Skate Aids Available
Rental hockey/figure skates are available for children and adults during public sessions for a $3 rental fee.
Socks MUST be worn when renting skates.
- Figure skate sizes range from a youth 8 through adult 13
- Hockey skate sizes range from a youth 1 through adult 14
Skate aids are available for rent during public sessions.
Public Skate Rink Rules
Safety
- Dress warmly. Long sleeves, pants and gloves are encouraged. Rink temperature averages around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Skaters are not allowed to carry children or secondary items, such as cellphones, cameras, or handbags while skating.
- No hockey sticks allowed!!
- Patrons may not sit on, lean over, or leave articles on the dasher boards.
- For skater's protection, headphones and earbuds are not permitted while skating.
- Helmets are strongly recommended for all participants.
- Keep exits clear at all times.
Admission
- All skaters must pay the public skating fee or present their annual membership for entry and receive wristband.
- All skaters must have a wristband to enter the ice. Wristbands are provided at check-in.
- Please leave the ice promptly if the ice is going to be cleaned and when the session has concluded.
Activities
- Patrons must wear skates on the ice.
- No stick or puck play (ball) is allowed.
- Roughness, excessive speeding, weaving through skaters, horseplay, tag or chasing is not allowed.
- Figure skating, such as jumps and spins, is not allowed during public skate sessions.
- Food and beverages are not permitted on the ice at any time.
- Skates are not allowed in the bleacher area.
- No more than two people can skate together.
- During resurfacing, all doors must remain closed and no one is permitted on the ice.
Can I bring my own ice/hockey skates?
You can wear your own hockey and figure skates during public session. We do not allow speed skates during public sessions, however.
Is there somewhere to lock up my belongings while I skate?
Yes, we have complimentary lockers for our guests to use.
Do I have to pay to watch my family skate?
No, if you're not going to skate, you don't have to pay to watch.
Why did the Zamboni interrupt the public session?
Sometimes, depending on the attendance, it's necessary to resurface the ice to pick up excessive snow and fill in heavy rutting.
What size skates do you have for rent?
We have sizes 8 youth to 13 adult.
What age can children start skating?
We have seen children as young as 3 on the ice.
Can I bring my own food in during the session?
No outside food is allowed, but we have a pretty awesome concession stand!
Should I wear a helmet?
We strongly encourage it, but it's not required.
Do I need to show proof of residency?
Yes, in order to apply the appropriate fee.
Can I go on the ice in my street shoes?
No, skates are required to be on the ice.
We enjoyed the public session. Do you offer season passes?
We offer memberships, which includes access to all public sessions, the indoor track and the fitness center.