We always enjoy bringing our kiddo to Polar Ice Cary. She loves this place! It definitely gets really crowded during the public skate. We also had her Birthday party here last year and it was a success. All the kids loved it and the staff were really helpful and friendly. She did a round of ice-skating lessons too and those were beneficial. We will definitely be back. read more

Polar Ice Cary - Skating Rinks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

We attended a half day camp at the polar ice cary camp chillin and were quite let down by the experience. Upon arriving, it was clear that the camp counselors were not paying attention; they were all hanging out in the building lobby while the kids were on the ice. They only entered the rink to enforce capricious and mean spirited rules such as not allowing new skaters to use skate aids but failing to care for children when they fell on the ice. Even during the arts and crafts period, the counselors were not paying attention to the children resulting in misbehavior like drawing on other kids art projects. Overall, this was a disappointing experience and I would caution parents of new skaters or artistic kids to avoid this camp. read more

Worst experience EVER! First the website to pre-purchase tickets was a nightmare - could not get everyone in our party registered kept trying to tell us we were not the right age and needed to check with the "team" (we were trying to buy tickets for "open skate". Once there, as per the other reviewers, the place is a dump and a dark dump. Lights only on far side. Seats only on one end (other end was cluttered with equipment). When we tried to sit on the benches on the lit side were told it was "off limits" by "security" . And yet . . . there were teenagers speeding around the rink on the "assisted" devices meant for small beginning skaters and parents who were speeding around "driving" these devices with their children in front of them. No security anywhere around. AND . . . there was a boy - about 13 years old - who was repeatedly shoving other children to the ice and when we complained to security they just smiled and shrugged their shoulders. HORRIBLE. Will never return. read more

Two stars because it's okay IF you can find a place to park in their HORRIBLE parking lot.

Had an experience where our group (mostly LGBT folk) were being harassed by a group of camo-wearing douchebags and the staff mostly ignored our complaints until one of them shoved someone from our group down and was bleeding from the scratches. The same group was also caught trying to steal from us throughout the night and apparently made it out to the parking lot before they were stopped. We had to have people take turns watching our stuff afterwards. Same people were also yelling slurs at us in front of children throughout it all. So that's a fun cherry on top. The group that was harassing us turned out to be regulars, friends with the manager who told use they were banned, and when the situation escalated to the point cops were called - they were refunded their money and told to come back later. When this all happened, we were told by management that the offending group was banned for life, but clearly they lied to our faces. Conveniently, when the cops arrived, Polar Ice was unable to pull up the cameras. They allowed a marginalized group to be harassed and then lied to us about the action they took when the situation got out of hand. This is not a safe place. You will not be protected by management. They allow assault to happen under their roof with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Absolutely no justice by Polar Ice Cary. The "regulars" need to be banned. Regulars that harass your patrons for being different should not be regulars. read more

This place is a complete dump. My children used to take lessons there and every time the place was trashed. There was tons of popcorn on the floor, trash everywhere, spilled drinks on the tables, etc. The bathrooms resemble those you find in South Carolina--completely disgusting. If you rent skates, then expect them to be filthy. The shoe laces are so nasty and gooey that I have to wash my hands after putting my kids skates on. Even the parking lot is filled with huge pot holes and trash everywhere. When I go there I feel like I'm in Durham. It's just a really nasty place. Don't go there. read more

So overcrowded! First time at this location as we usually go to Raleigh or Garner but they don't seem to have much open skate time. The parking lot was full and we had to park in the neighboring business which was fine. But it seems like they should cap the amount of people in there, because it was so hard to maneuver around people. And also there were a couple young hellions going the wrong way and almost ran into my daughter twice. didn't seem to be any staff keeping an eye on what was going on. There's also groups of girls just standing in a circle right in the skating lane which caused problems too. Will probably stick to the Raleigh and Garner locations from now on. read more

We really couldn't be happier with our experience thus far. Many of my co-workers talked about their snowplow program for littles learning to skate, and my son had been having an infatuation with hockey, so I thought, let's see how this goes. I really enjoy the family friendly vibe of the ice house, You can sit while watching your kid, and you're nice and warm, but you're also welcome to stand along the outside of the rink if you like. The instructors were so fun and patient with my son, and even on days when he wasn't feeling particularly energetic, or being a toddler, they were patient with him and now he is flourishing. Even the instructors from his classes early on remember him and will come over to say hi. They know how to motivate and engage kids on an age and appropriate development level. I've observed some of the older classes as well, and that seems to continuously be the trend. Facilities are always clean, and they have a great snack bar and coffee selection for after. I'm excited to try out the other programs they offer here as he gets older. read more

Went for stick-n-puck. 30 people are supposed to be on ice, there were close to 40-45 people on ice (I have video). Not enough pucks on ice, no supervisor on ice, teenagers and grown adults taking pucks from kids, and when I called of course no one was there to take a call to help me understand. We go to a ton of stick-n-pucks at other rinks and have never experienced this! Don't waste time or money if you are really trying to go to stick-n-puck! read more

Don't waste your money on Camp Chillin! My daughter attended 2 weeks and my younger daughter attended less than 1 week (more on that below). I was hesitant to bring my daughter back for a second week, but I had a last minute change of plans, Jellybeans was full, and the kids didn't want to go to YMCA. 1) My daughter was scared of the hockey players. She said that one of the hockey players was going really fast and knocked over Ms. Liz who knocked over my daughter who fell on top of another camper. She has a bruise on her leg. When I brought this up to the camp manager she said she wasn't aware of any problems and expressed disbelief because she "talks to my daughter all the time." (This really rubbed me the wrong way after point 6...you take the word of a 6 year old at face value but my 9 year old is making things up?) 2) They spend most of the day in a sad little playroom. Think the free playroom that you drop your kids off at in the gym. 3) They advertise lessons with "qualified instructors" from 8:30-11:30 on their website. My older daughter said she wasn't offered any lessons and that they only gave my youngest daughter (who doesn't know how to skate) lessons twice. They just had free skate. 4) They put parents in the place of being bad guys if they don't fork over an additional $5/kid for a Wednesday "pizza party". Keep in mind Jellybeans, which is the same price, treats all the kids to lunch at a restaurant on Wednesdays. No additional fees. 5) While Jellybeans takes kids on daily field trips to Frankie's Fun Zone, movies, and more....the kids at Camp Chillin painted rocks, watched a lady make balloon animals, and played bingo. Oh and read.. My daughter talks about all the reading she does during all the "no toys, reading time". Worth $225/week? 6) And finally...they sent my daughter home Friday and said she couldn't come back without a doctor's note. They also said that the Director tried to call me multiple times and left multiple messages. I had no missed calls on my phone until 10am Friday morning. This all started because my 6 year old....keep that in mind, she's 6....said she "might have pinworms." I explained that she clearly had a heat rash . However, a few years back her cousin had pinworms and she now thinks any itch anywhere is pinworms. Again...six year old logic here. (On a side note, my sister pointed out when her kid actually had pinworms there was no rash or physical signs and that at no point did the doctor tell her daughter she couldn't go to school or should avoid other children.) Anyway, they call me up mid-day Friday and insist that I come take her home. They insisted that she was itchy and uncomfortable all morning. When I asked my daughter, I was met with an incredulous "I never said that! I'M NOT ITCHY!" My guess was they were committed at this point and just wanted to get rid of the annoying Mom. Lucky, for me I work at home, but what a huge inconvenience for lots of parents. I was surprised that they were taking the medical word of a 6 year old, who also says she's a "ninja warrior princess". I guess that's good enough to hire her for security work. 7) Finally....when I expressed all the above points to the Director in a tone I would describe as calm but no nonsense, the director hung up on me. A customer is bringing up valid concerns, including camper safety concerns, and your response is to hang up on them? Admittedly, I did respond to her statement that they have "one of the best camps in that area" with "Well I guess that's why Jellybeans is sold out and your camp is practically empty." You've been warned. Take it or leave it. Despite not thinking it is worth the price or hassle, my 9 year old had fun and gives it 3 out of 5 stars. My six year old's little face lit up when I told her she never had to go back and rates it a 0 out of 5 stars. In order to be taken seriously, I probably should of had my 6 year old write the review. read more

Worse place ever for open skating BEWARE BEWARE!!!! Staff would rather play "Where's Waldo" while playing on their phone, whenever a customer needs help or assistance. The skating rink was not even prepped, when ask about the lack of prepping. The sad response from staff was " We felt it wasn't needed" , like excuse me ??? What you feel does not have a direct correlation with what NEEDS to be done!!! Prepping a track for an opening skating session would of takin no more than 10-15min. However asking a lazy staff to go remotely above minimum standards would of been too much apparently. The sad part to this is there was no more than 10 people there , so it not like they were to busy to have done this. I guess this was a foreshadowing to a place going out of business. I would recommend finding another skating rink or just scrapping the idea in general with changing the time spent there to that of a local park instead. We asked for a skater aid to help assist our three year old, but we're sadly denied over reasons which did not make sense, even though we offered a deposit and or a holding of a debit/license. The combination of an unprepared skating rink and lack of help from the manager on staff Tracy Todd, who could careless to talk with us to resolve our issues at hand ,would rather email within the next week or so. We cut our skating session very early due to the problems stated above along with super uncomfortable skates. We asked for a refund and left our contacted information for someone from management to get back to us, but well probably have better luck finding Waldo on the side of a cereal box. As I said before I Absolutely Do Not Recommend This Skating Rink!!!!!!!!!!!! So sad to see a local business treat new residents like this. read more

You get what you expect. An ice rink. We went Saturday for the free skate from 12:30-2:30. It was fair priced, $10 admission, $3 skates. The rink was verrrry crowded but it was still enjoyable! We picked it up quickly as we haven't ice skated in over 10 years. Shoe rental was an easy process, locker rental is only 50 cent and snack bar is good and also cheap! Now Parking, parking is horrible!!!! Get there between ice changes otherwise you will not find a spot. We arrived around 12:15 when the private skate was leaving and managed to snag a spot. People were parked all the way down the entrance making it difficult to even get in or out of the parking lot. Would go again though! read more

first and last time going here- went with our friends and someone in our group got pushed over as a "prank" while they videoed and the managers didnt do anything about it. these teens tried to steal his stuff and run off with us while also yelling slurs at them in front of children. cops were called and they were uncooperative since the managers are friends with the guys who did it. they clearly dont care about your safety or a family friendly environment, definitely dont recommend. read more

Polar Ice Cary - the best photo we got of the guys who did it - Skating Rinks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

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Terrible experience. Will not be back. Go to Invisalign Arena in Morrisville. This location and facility looks like a flea bag motel from the outside and wasn't much better inside. Track out camp kids whose parents dump them with whoever will take them run around like it's lord of the flies, with no supervision. The counselors scream and berate them...not sure what about because they were playing bumper cars with the skate helpers, lifting the skate helpers over their heads and throwing them at each other, riding on top of the skate helpers while being pushed, standing still in large groups on the ice blocking the path, skating aggressively, tackling each other on the ice, racing and weaving through patrons and so on. At one point one of them crashed into my young child skating backward going the wrong way around and racing. I complained numerous times to the staff including management, but they simply ignored me. Staff is rude, unfriendly and ineffective. Rental skates were horrible and the lowest quality imaginable. Didn't fit right on any of the six people in my party and gave everyone blisters and sore feet. I will be telling everyone I know in Cary to never patron this establishment. Doesn't look like it's been updated since 1984, so I'm guessing business isn't that good as it is. Bathrooms were disgusting mess. The food court was a joke and lacked any real food. read more

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Zero attention to safety. They oversell every event, from public skates to adult hockey clinics. One single water dispenser that's often broken. Atrocious and unsafe ice conditions. I wish corporate would look into things because this Polar location seems to be degrading quickly while costs are going up. Poor management. Unfortunately they have a monopoly on some events so this level of poor quality is allowed to persist. read more

Best track-out programs! Well organized activities and the kids come home happy every day. Pack gloves and hats as it's cold and expect the kids to fall if they don't know how to skate. Our 3 kids went in, not knowing how to skate, not wanting to go and turned into these skating smiling jumbles of giggling kids. They were all very excited to go -every day - and were able to make some really great friends. The staff have a lot of creative sessions mid-day and even go down to the local bowling alley once a week. There is a lot of good to be said about this program. Only criticisms are: Icky parking lot experience. It's poorly kept and does not inspire much of any excitement over being there - the place looks run-down from the outside. Front desk staff are undertrained to handle signups for the trackout program, forcing the director and camp councillors to stop what they are doing with the kids to take care of any signup or payment situations. That's insane. Front staff should be able to handle at least some of that burden. Kids get snacks and snack-prizes that are often extra sugary. While we don't like this much, the kids have never been close to this happy consistently coming home from any activity. I'll take their enthusiasm and just bite my tongue over the excessive sweets. read more

Perfect for a cheesy date night or a kid's birthday party- could go either way haha Went for late night skating and majority of the crowd was couples and high schoolers. The rink itself isn't anything extra-spectacular but it's good enough to skate around and fall on! Music is significantly louder towards the center of the rink than the outer-edge which makes me believe their sound system isn't all that great. My main criticism would be that their public skating hours is pretty random and limited so I'd suggest checking their hours before heading over there! read more

I have not ice skated since I was maybe 12 years old, but when some friends wanted to go on a Saturday night I thought I would tag along. I will admit I did have some fun, and would probably go back again, but it does look like this place has not been updated since the last time I went skating (I am almost 30 now) The skating was cheap, I think including skate rentals it was only $12. It is one giant ring where everyone basically goes around in a large circle. My only real problems was that the skates seem straight out of 1992, I thought at one point they would fall apart. Also the ring is extremely rough and it would be nice if they ran a zamboni over it every so often. read more

This review is for the track-out camp. I swear if I had the cash, I'd send my kids here every single day they're out of school. They were so exhausted when they got home from skating and bowling, they're actually pleasant to be around! The counselors are nice, somewhat young, and helpful. Mostly the kids just skate, skate, skate, and have a snack occasionally. Let them know if you consider chips and soda a snack, because I sure don't. However, as many calories as the kids were burning off, it's probably not going to hurt them. Today, anyway. The facility itself isn't new, but it works just fine. At least it's not the outdoor rinks in the parks in Minneapolis. Brrrrr! read more

HORRIBLE experience. Customer service was awful. Wouldn't let us in or refund my group. DO NOT recommend at ALL

First time my daughter is going to ice skating lessons, likes and enjoys every day classes(Camp). read more

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Feeling nostalgic and missing winter, my husband and I headed to this ice rink one Saturday in February to go skating during their public skate hours. We probably picked the worst time to go. It was a complete madhouse. We waited in a long but quickly-moving line to pay admission, which we thought was kind of steep, $7/pp (not including skate rental). We had brought our own skates so luckily we did not have to wait in another line again. The ice was completely packed and you had to really concentrate as unbalanced adults and oblivious children weaved in and out of the crowds. One end of the ice was occupied by a private skating lesson, and so the orange pylons made the rink area even more limited to the large crowd. There was at least one children's birthday party in full swing, and the eating area certainly attested to that, with the french fries and pizza crusts and napkins strewn on the floor. With it being so crowded, the ice quality was not very good until the zamboni cleared it off mid-session. We thought we would end up skating longer, but after nearly 1.5 hours of dodging sliding children and flailing arms, we decided we'd had enough for another year. We'll go back again one day, but on a weekday when it is much quieter. read more

Having just reviewed the Raleigh Iceplex, I thought I'd reminisce about my times at the Cary Ice House... I took a few "Learn to Play" classes at Cary and Garner Ice Houses as 1) I hadn't played in several years and 2) they were offering a stick and puck pass worth 9 visits. Seemed like a great deal. Garner was great, fairly quiet, lots of quality ice (see other review for more). Cary however was not as much. During the learn to play classes the instructors had us run the same drills every week, as expected. However there was something missing, the best I could describe it was that there was no "tempo" in Cary like there was in Garner. Oh well, this seems to me to be a fairly meaningless argument so I'll press on and leave this to your imaginations. One complaint with the Ice House occurred after a Saturday night pickup and went to a friend's bar. I sat down for a drink, pulled out my wallet and BAM, my cash was gone. I know I had entered the Cary Ice House with 4 crisp $20 bills, but somehow between then and there someone pulled my wallet out from underneath all of my stinky hockey jerseys and absconded with my cash. (The jerseys get stinkier every time I tell the story, I feel its therapeutic for me to imagine the thief digging through my B.O.) Luckily, no plastic was taken. I know you're thinking that this cannot be blamed on the establishment, and to a degree I agree with you. However, walk in and you'll see what I'm talking about. There is no security between the door and the locker rooms. The staff are constantly moving about between serving the concession stand and the front entrance, allowing anyone to move to the lockers and do whatever they please. That would be one criticism, the other being that I had attempted to contact the management in person and left a voicemail to let them know of the situation, but I never received a reply. A quick, "that sucks, our apologies, we'll look into the entrance" would have sufficed, but nothing. When the Ice Houses in Cary and Garner recently switched management, I there was a notice posted in the hall stating that those stick-and-puck passes I had mentioned earlier were no longer valid. So that good deal for the learn-to-play classes was suddenly revoked. After complaining to the management at both places they simply stated that they felt as though they had given enough notice to cardholders in order to revoke the program. A non-conspicuous flyer posted in the hallway indicating a few weeks warning was apparently sufficient to them, good to see how the new management is ready to serve their customer. Lastly, and most importantly, the condition of the ice. Abysmal is the first word that comes to mind. I recall a few occasions skating there, going for a puck in the corners and having to avoid the construction cones and caution tape around the area of BARE CEMENT. Yes, that is correct. I should make note that this was eventually repaired and that the last time I was there (the night my cash was stolen) the ice was completely filled in. But still, I have never been at a rink that allowed people to skate on it when there was bare cement exposed, in 20 years of skating and hockey. read more

I go to camp here and I'm 12 I do enjoy the camp very much it's is a bit crazy sometimes but that's what makes it fun. I have a lot of friends there and the counselors are so sweet and fun to hang around they do keep us very safe. I wish we could skate more and the rental skates suck btw but I have my own so not a problem. When we're not skating we have games and snack and do occasional field trips and activities outside . I do not recommend eating the food it's really gruesome not to be rude but it's just very unhealthy and they mess it up bc they rush or don't care idrk but bring lunch. Overall great camp love it I actually want to wake up early to go there which is very rare for me lol read more

This review is for the Learn to Skate. My 6 year old son told me he wanted to learn how to play hockey so we got him lessons!!! My son has been skating now for three sessions . Each session is 8 weeks long and after each session he has progressed nicely. All of the teachers are really good at teaching the young kids how to skate!! I couldnt believe they could get my 6 year old to skate!! After each session the director herself evaluates my son and confers with me where to place him next. After two sessions, my son is laready taking the Learn to Play class which is what he wants to do!!! Highly recommended for anyone that wants to learn to skate and/or play hockey. read more

For nearly $30 for two adults and one child (with skate rental purchased for the child only) you would think they would smooth out the ice before. It was SUPER ROUGH ICE and DIRTY on one huge end. This place is so small it wouldn't have taken long to whip around the Zamboni after the game it looks like they had from the huge gouges in the ice. We live just down the road, but from now on we are going to the Raleigh Ice Plex instead. Not only is it four times as large and can handle a crowd, but they are very nice over there and they actually take care of their rink and the quality of the ice on it. read more

Terrible managment. Zamboni constantly breaks down. Roof is close to caving in. Locker rooms are in bad shape. Aviod.

Staff had a rough time arriving on time to open up the rink.Very disappointing to see this happen. Today my sons game was cancelled because nobody showed up to open the rink for a 7am game. About 25 families all just waiting in the cold for nobody to show up. What a disappointment, and discouraging for young kids to see. Woke up at 530 am then drove a half hour for a cancelled game due to an irresponsible staff at this place. Great way to start my day off! read more

This place is cleaner than most small rinks in New England, if that's what you're used to. It has an intimate feel reminiscent of a rink in the New Hampshire mountains. Maybe you can forget you're in NC for awhile. read more

This place is awesome!!! I went a couple times before my son was born six years ago. I recently just went back and brought my husband, two daughters (10 & 4) and my son (6). It was their first time and they had an absolute blast! The facility has a wall that you can hang on to to get you used to the ice. My oldest daughter used that a lot! They have a strobe light in the center and play up to date music. They also have a place to get some food and to get warm. They have games and a room for parties. They also have classes so that you can learn to skate. It is only 12 dollars for adults. I recommend checking this place out if you are looking for something to do with the kids (it will completely ware them out!) read more

My son went to ice skating camp for two weeks. Andrew had wonderful time. Friendly & professional staff. My son learned how to skate in few days. He had lots of fun. As a parent I recommend it! Parents can have a free time without worrying! read more

We LOVE Cary Ice House for their track out camp! The staff is friendly and professional and have taken a personal interest in getting to know my child and takes good care of him. It's like dropping him off with family. He gets hours of ice time; which for a ice hockey kid is like gold! They are continually looking for ways to improve as well. Perfect day for an active child or if you want your child to be active! read more

Very impressed w/ level of energy & activity at the track-out camps. My son comes home ecstatic (and exhausted) every day! Great variety of games and activities. read more

I almost left at the door because of the 15-year-old cashier's terrible attitude. The skates were kind of gross and the ice was pretty rough in places even after the Zamboni did its thing. I would probably go back, but I'll admit that without a student discount, public skate isn't worth the admission price. read more

DO NOT HAVE YOUR KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY HERE! I booked a party for my 5 year old. I was a little hesitant since most of the kids were only 5 but I was reassured by several ice house workers that this age was fine. They were a little too young for this. When we arrived to the Ice House there was an adult league outside pretty much blocking the entrance with their cookout with beer and cigarettes. After that we were shown to our "party room". This room consisted of two picnic tables in the middle of the game room where the bathrooms were along with extra cleaning equipment. The place was run down and dirty. Throughout the party multiple people kept coming in and out of the room, which were not part of the party, to use the bathroom and play games. I had grown up in Cary and went to the Ice House as a child. It doesn't appear that they have cleaned or updated anything in 20 years. The party "host" had put out stale, burnt popcorn and drinks. The "host" had two parties to cover at the same time so we basically never saw her. I was extra annoyed since I had to book a double party (because of the number of kids we had attending) and she spent most of her time with the other party. I had to personally go to the snack bar to get refills. I had to serve the pizza along with drinks. I had to clean up and tell the guy at the snack bar we were ready for the cake twice. When the cake arrived they had the wrong number on the cake. It said happy eighth birthday instead of happy 5th. This was literally "the icing on the cake". The Ice House did agree to take some money off the final bill for the cake which was appreciated. Some of the kids, who didn't leave, decided they wanted to skate again. We had to wait 10 minutes for someone to man the skate rental desk. At this point I was given my bill and goodie bags. Since half of the kids already left they did not receive goody bags. I expressed my displeasure with one of the Ice House workers and his response was "there is a survey I could fill out". There were no apologies given or discounts. I had spent a lot of money for this party and I was extremely disappointed with the outcome. I will not be recommending this party venue. read more

Wow, what a disappointing experience. This place may be fun if you own your own skates. If you are planning to rent, avoid!!! We rented 4 pairs and were given blue plastic skates that were all broken in one way or another. My kids who wear a size 9 and 12 kids sizes were given pairs that looked the exact same size (labeled differently). My husband and I were given skates that hurt so badly that we could each only do a few laps before we gave up due to the pain of the plastic cutting into our feet. So we gave up, traded our skates back in to find out they had misplaced our shoes. I rarely do this, but I did ask for a partial refund since $40 seemed like a high price to pay for such a terrible experience - which I was given. read more

Awful! Rented 4 pairs of skates and all were broken and horrible painful to skate in. After 2 laps I could not go any further and left. What a complete disappointment. read more

Horrible experience. My 6 years old went to emergency room from their 5 days summer camp. The 6 years old got a few stitches and scars on her forever. They don't care the safety of the young children. We never go back again. Not good for kids, not professional, not responsible. read more

This is a good place to go with the kids during the summer. It's always nice and cool. Just be careful as not everyone can skate and accidents are bound to happen. read more

This location occasionally does something odd. They advertise a timeslot as a "Public Skate" but when you arrive, pay full price admission, and get on the ice, they then cordon off a third of the ice for private events. It wouldn't be an issue if this were a large rink but it is small. The rough housing on the ice that goes on sometimes is also something I do not like (it is in the form of kicking hockey pucks around on the ice during public skate time and people sliding on the ice for long distances). Despite the unfortunate behavior of very few obnoxious patrons (and their parents) and the cordoning off of sections of the ice, the staff and coaches are always on their game - very professional and supportive of patrons as well as the sports of hockey and figure skating. The staff and coaches consistently provide a positive environment for learning and fun. read more