Rink

alm Beach Ice Works is South Florida's newest skating rink, fea- turing an Olympic-sized ice sheet and state of the art facilities. The 58,000 square-foot facility opened to the public in late 2009 and is quickly becoming known as Palm Beach's newest gem, as it is a training center dedicated for the seri- ous figure skater and hockey player. Located just minutes from Palm Beach and the Palm Beach International Airport, Palm Beach Ice Works provides programs and services including learn to skate group classes, ice dancing, jump, spin and spiral classes, open freestyle ses- sions along with test and competitive tracks for figure skaters. For hockey play- ers, the Palm Beach Ice Works provides learn to play hockey classes, youth hockey camps and clinics, open hockey sessions, youth/adult hockey leagues, private hock- ey instruction, and learn to skate hockey programs provided by a USA Hockey certified coaching staff. In addition, the state of the art facility offers off-ice strength and conditioning equipment and training, indoor running track, lock- er rooms, stadium seating, Dartfish (sport video training), a Rapidshot hock- ey training lane, jump and stretch room, ballet and pilates, private-party rental, full-service deli, concessions, pro-shop consisting of apparel and equipment, game room and full gym. Palm Beach Ice Works is the only rink in South Florida focused on figure skaters who are serious competitors with Olympic dreams. In addition to the rink, the building is home to a gymnasium and jump room with a padded floor and harnesses to learn jumps safely before attempting them on the ice. Owner Lori Alf found that in addition to on-ice training, the facility needed to have off- ice training facilities where students can also take ballet on a regular basis, an inte- gral part of figure skaters' training. With regards to hockey, Palm Beach Ice Works hosts several adult and youth hockey teams where hockey players have their own locker rooms and NHL-sized hockey benches. Palm Beach Ice Works' Olympic-size ice sheet was designed with a narrow warm-up track around the perimeter just so hockey players can warm up before taking to the ice. Says owner of Palm Beach Ice Works, Lori Alf, "I am intimately familiar with the challenges faced by serious figure skaters and hockey players trying to train in public facilities. The limited amount of ice available at public rinks along with the equipment needed for off-ice condi- tioning that is usually not available can make it difficult for an inspiring skater to train. Palm Beach Ice Works is my gift to the serious skater because it will provide the positive training environment that can allow them to take their skill to the next level. As the sport is becoming more technically challenging, it is important that the skater has a place to complete their work." West Palm Beach, Florida Palm Beach Ice Works featured rink 12 R INK MAGAZ INE March/April 2011 STARrinks.com Success in South Florida P by LINDA SOPER • photos courtesy of Palm Beach Ice Works Locker rooms are spacious with individual stalls. The 58,000 square foot facility is loaded with ammenities including a proprietary speaker system.

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