Riverfront Park open for ice skating

Inland Northwest skating fans can now visit the Riverfront Park Ice Palace for their annual cold-weather recreational and athletic fix.

The ice center at the downtown park is open daily through March 1, and people can come and skate for fun at certain times or take lessons.

Some of the lessons began in early November, but other classes still can be signed up for through January.

Classes Include

•Beginning ice hockey, for ages 4-8. Participants must have their own helmet, mouth guard, gloves, shin pads and hockey stick. Cost is $59 or $44.25 for season pass holders, and registration includes five winter day passes for the Ice Palace.

•Ice Skate Lessons, for ages 4 and over. Students will be taught forward and backward skating, stopping, cross-overs and more. Helmets and outdoor clothing are recommended. Cost is $59 or $44.25, and includes skate rental and five free admissions. The first sessions runs Nov. 8-Dec. 13, and the second sessions runs Saturdays Jan. 10-Feb. 14.

Other promotions include public skate times, drop-in hockey games, skate sharpening, the “Lunch Bunch” skate time from noon to 2 p.m. weekdays and “School’s Out Special” for ages 17 and under, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Improvements include indoor seating, expanded food service and more new skates.

The park also offers Ice Palace skating season passes for $39.99 plus tax. Pass holders receive 25 percent discounts on lessons, reduce parking, and a 10 percent discount on food at the pro shop.

People interested in the lessons, general skating opportunities, hours of operation or skating specifics can call 456-4FUN or 1-800-336-PARK, or visit the Riverfront Park Web site at www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com.