Centennial is a premier regional teaching center for both ice skating and gymnastics, with a highly qualified staff and progressive programming. The facility features an indoor ice rink and a fully-equipped gymnastics studio. We offer public skating as well as Learn to Skate, hockey, Freestyle, and gymnastics lessons for all skill levels. Centennial is a member of the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) and USA Gymnastics.
Front Desk Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm
Friday: 9am-4pm
Saturday: 9:30am-12:30pm
Learn to Skate USA
Centennial is proud to offer the Learn to Skate USA program curriculum providing a fun and positive experience that will instill a lifelong love of skating. Something happens the moment your kid’s skates touch the ice. It’s surreal. Empowering. It’s the experience where kids learn much about skating, and themselves. Your child learns glides, swizzles, edges and crossovers. Your child learns positivity, confidence and personal strength.
Learn to Skate USA programs make skating fun and safe for all as they grow an everlasting love for this sport. Through our updated curriculum and our certified, passionate instructors, we build solid skill progression to grow self-esteem in both kids and adults while providing them the resources to reach their hopes and dreams. For more information on the program, click here.
Hockey Organizations and Leagues
Centennial Ice Arena is proud to be affiliated with the following local and metro Chicago hockey organizations.
Falcons Hockey Association
Highland Park Giants
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Wolves
Contact
Chris Maliszewski, Assistant Director of Recreation and Facilities
847.579.4102
cmaliszewski@pdhp.org
Carol Sassorossi, Recreation Supervisor
847.579.4103
csassorossi@pdhp.org
Stephanie Sylvester, Recreation Coordinator
847.579.4108
ssylvester@pdhp.org
View Fall Ice Schedules below:
September 3 – October 20 Public Skate
September 3 – October 20 Freestyle
Public Skating Fees
Youth (up to age 18) – $6
Adult – $7
Skate Rental – $3
Open Hockey – $10
Adult Skate – $3
Public Skate Punch Pass, 10 admissions $54
Skate Rental, 10 admissions $25
Comprehensive ice skating and hockey lessons are taught by ice arena and affiliate organization professionals. The United States Figure Skating Association Basic Skills sanctions our Learn to Skate Program. League hockey is played through the Falcons Hockey Organization, as well as a variety of clinics and camps to improve hockey skills. *Please note: Skate rental is not included in the class fee. Class skate rental is $2.00 per class per person, or $18.00 for a 10-punch pass.
Fall Learn to Skate and Hockey Lessons
If you are interested in private skating lessons please complete the Private Lesson Request Form.
**New this year** All skaters in Tot and Basic Skills classes receive 1 public skate pass each week. Click here for more info.
| Class Name | Age | Description | Player Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent & Tot | 3½-5 | Beginner | For the timid skater who would like an adult in class for support. |
| Tot 1 | 4-5 | Beginner | Basics for beginner skater. |
| Tot 2 | 4-5 | Intermediate | Introduction to forward swizzles, backward skating, and snow plow stop. |
| Tot 3 | 4-5 | Intermediate-Advanced | Beginning stroking, skate on one foot, edges and curves. |
| Tot 4 | 4-5 | Advanced | Beginning crossovers, forward stroking, and backward swizzles. |
| bounceandBlades | 4-5 | Beginner-Advanced | A combo skating and gymnastics class. Build basic skills in both areas. |
| FUNdamental Skating Skills | |||
| Basic 1 | 6-12 | Beginner | Basics for beginner skater. |
| Basic 2 | 6-12 | Prerequisite Basic 1 | One foot skating, turning front to back, back swizzles. |
| Basic 3 | 6-12 | Prerequisite Basic 2 | Stroking, two foot spin, on foot glides, beginner forward crossovers, and edges |
| Basic 4 | 6-12 | Prerequisite Basic 3 | Backward stroking, edges, advanced forward crossovers, beginning back crossovers. |
| Basic 5 | 6-12 | Prerequisite Basic 4 | Back edges, back crossovers, beginning one foot spin. |
| Basic 6 | 6-12 | Prerequisite Basic 5 | 3-turns, T-stops, Spirals, Lunges, back 2 foot turns. |
| Pre-Freeskate Silver | 6-12 | Prerequisite Basic 6 | Mohawks, edges, advanced turns. Intro to jumps and spin preparations, footwork. |
| Freeskate & Specialty Skating Classes | |||
| Pre-Freeskate Gold | 6 & Up | Prerequisite Pre-Freeskate Silver | Mohawks, edges, advanced turns. Intro to jumps and spins, jump and spin preparation, and footwork. |
| Freeskate 1-6 | 6 & Up | Prerequisite Pre-Freeskate Gold | Jumps, spins, and footwork. |
| Freeskate 6 Plus | 6 & Up | Prerequisite Freeskate 6 | Skills included those needed to earn a solo in the annual ice show. Axel, double jumps, flying, and combination spins and footwork. |
| High Freeskate | 6 & Up | Prerequisite Freeskate 6 Plus | Advanced skating skills, jumps, and spins. |
| Power | Pre-FS & Up | Pre FS-High FS | Develop endurance, speed, and strength. |
| Axel Class | 6 & Up | Advanced FS 5 & Up | On ice and off ice Axel jump technique. Skaters must land an Axel from moving to pass this class. |
| Showcase Team | 6 & Up | Fs 1-6 | Competitive performance team. Group skating skills to music for the purpose of competing. Commitment to 3 competitions and 2 performances required. |
| Low Moves in the Field | 6 & Up | Prerequisite Pre-Freeskate Silver | US Figure Skating. Pre-preliminary Moves in the Field. |
| Showcase Team Jr. | 6 & Up | Basic 4-PreFS Gold | Same as Showcase Team. |
| Learn to Skate USA Adult Lessons | |||
| Adult 1-4 | 16 & Up | Beginner-Advanced | Learn standing and balance, forward and backward skating. Class is broken into levels advanced moves, edges, and turns. |
| Skate Fit | 16 & Up | Adult Advanced | Skate into fitness. Skate 10 laps to complete 1 mile. How many laps can you do? Beginners through advanced skaters will be challenged with skills and agility. Adults should be able to skate comfortably to participate. |
| Figures | 14 & Up | Advanced | Creating the figure eight and other patterns through body alignment, control, and technique. |
| Adult Freeskate | 16 & Up | Advanced | Introduction to jumps, spins, footwork, and gliding maneuvers. |
| Teen | 12-16 | Beginnger-Advanced | Learn balance, forward and backward skating. Class broken into levels. |
| Falcons Hockey Association | The Park District of Highland Park is proud to partner with the Falcons Hockey Association which enables FHA to coach and run all hockey class, with a full sheet of ice dedicated to hockey developmental classes. Prior to registering for any Falcons Hockey class, participants are required to have successfully passed Mini-Mites, Tot 1 or Basic 1 skating offered by PDHP Learn to Skate program. If you are looking for a beginning hockey class and still need to learn to skate, please refer to our Learn to Skate classes. Falcons Hockey Coaches are highly qualified and trained. Falcons coaches will evaluate and divide the skaters into appropriate skill levels on the ice. | ||
| Little Falcons | 4 & Up | Prerequisite Mini-Mites, Tot 1, or Basic 1 | Developmental program to give skaters a solid foundation of skating, stick handling, shooting and passing. Hockey skates, hockey helmet with mask, shin & elbow pad, hockey gloves and hockey stick are required. |
Skating Tips and Information
- Please arrive at Centennial at least 20 minutes prior to class time. This ensures enough time to put on ice skates and be ready for the start of class.
- Skates can be rented at the front desk for $2.00 each class or a 10-punch pass may be purchased.
- We recommend renting skates during the first few sessions prior to purchasing your own.
- Skates run true to shoe size. We do not have half sizes.
- Thin socks or tights should be worn with skates.
- Skates should fit tighter than tennis shoes.
- Laces should be tied as tight as possible.
- Proper ice skating attire:
- Warm, comfortable athletic pants
- Long-sleeve sweatshirt or light jacket
- Mittens or gloves (required)
- Helmets are highly recommended for beginner skaters- Tot 1 and Basic 1
- Please avoid bulky winter clothing as they usually restrict movement
- What to expect on the ice:
- During the first few weeks of class, we teach our skaters how to be independent on the ice.
- This includes learning how to get back up when/if they fall down.
- For the safety of our instructors and skaters, coaches will not pick students up from the ice.
- While being on the ice, it is important for each child to pay attention and follow instructions given by their coach.
- For the safety of all parents and spectators, classes are to be watched from the stands.
- Skating evaluations will be held the second to last week of each session. Evaluation forms will be sent home after the final class with registration information for the next level.
- Please note, as each level becomes progressively more demanding and challenging, skaters may remain on the same achievement level for several consecutive sessions.
- Make up Class Policy:
- Centennial Ice Skating only offers a make-up class when the absence was due to illness or injury. No scheduling conflicts, previous engagements, or out of town missed classes will be allowed to be made up.
- In an effort to provide quality instruction while maintaining appropriate class ratios, make-up classes in sections with a full roster will not be permitted. Please contact Carol Sassorossi at 847-579-4103 for a list of available classes.
- Make-ups are limited to 2 per session and must be made up during the same session as the class(es) missed.
Contacts:
Sheila Lonergan
Skating Events Coordinator
slonergan@pdhp.org
Inga Fedorova
Skating School Coordinator
ifedorova@pdhp.org
847.579.4104
Freestyle, Moves & Ice Dance Practice Time
View Ice Schedules below:
September 3 – October 20 Freestyle
Welcome to the Park District of Highland Park Gymnastics Program! Centennial Ice Arena houses PDHP’s Gymnastics Studio and offers levels for all ages 1 ½ – 13. Gymnastics improves strength, balance, and flexibility while building self-confidence and new skills along the way.
Gymnastics Lessons
Below classes are for the Fall Session. Fall registration begins July 24 residents, and July 31 non-residents.
| Class Name | Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Itsy Bitsy Tumblers | Parent Tot | 1½-2 | Actively engage with your child as they develop large motor skills, and develop spatial awareness while using gym equipment. |
| Tumble Tots | Parent Tot | 2-3 | Develop large motor skills and basic gymnastics using equipment in an obstacle course format. |
| Little Pros | 3-4 | An independent learning opportunity to build self-confidence, strength, coordination, balance and flexibility. Focuses on enhancing basic body movement, tumbling skills, and using equipment. Children must be potty trained. |
| Superstars | 4-5 | An advanced class which builds a strong foundation for skill comprehension. |
| Bounce and Blades | 4-5 | Combination class of skating and gymnastics. Drop off your child for 1.5 hours for fun activities while building basic skills. |
| Gymnastics | Recreational Gymnastics Program | ||
| Beginner 1 | 5-12 | No previous formal gymnastics experience required. Learn basic gymnastic body positions, skills, and build coordination and strength. |
| Beginner 2 | 5-12 | An continuing class which focuses on improving and learning more advanced skills. Prerequisites: Beginner 1 level class or evaluation by an instructor. |
| Advanced Beginner | 6-12 | Progressively harder gymnastics skills will be taught while focusing on proper form and technique on all equipment. Prerequisites: Beginner 2 level class and instructor evaluation and permission. |
| Tumbling | 6-13 | Tumbling class is geared to introduce technique and progression of tumbling skills. |
| Intermediate | 6-13 | A higher level class geared towards gymnasts who prefer not to be on a competitive team. Strength and conditioning as well as proper technique will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Advanced Beginner level classes and instructor evaluation and permission. |
| Pre-Team and Competitive Team | Pre-Team and Competitive Team programs are invitation only or must have evaluation from Team Coach, Gymnastics Coordinator or Recreation Supervisor. | ||
| Pre Team | 6-13 | For gymnasts showing potential for competitive team. Focus on skill development, form, technique, strength, conditioning and flexibility. Must have approval from Team Coach or Coordinator. |
| Competitive Team | 6-13 | Competitive Team follows USAG guidelines and compete in AAU and GIJO League. Must have Team Coach or Coordinator approval. |
| Dance for Gymnasts | 6-13 | Focuses on connecting movements and preparing gymnasts for choreographed routines. Geared towards Advanced Beginner through Team Level gymnasts. |
General Information and Policies
- For the safety of all concerned, anyone who is not participating in a class (siblings, friends, parents, or caretakers) is not allowed in the gym. Non-participants will be asked to wait in the lobby or Activity Room A (if available) where they may view class through a window.
- For safety and comfort, proper athletic attire is mandatory for all gymnasts.
- Girls: gymnastics leotard or leggings/shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. Please no baggy shirts.
- Boys: Shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt.
- Any clothing with buttons, zippers and/or snaps is unacceptable.
- No shoes or socks are permitted in the gym, bare feet are best!
- Long hair MUST be tied back into a pony-tail. Short hair or bangs should be pulled away from the face with a clip or headband.
- There is no food, gum/candy, or drinks other than water permitted in the gymnastics gym.
- Make up Class Policy:
- Centennial Gymnastics only offers a make-up class when the absence was due to illness. No scheduling conflicts, previous engagements, or out of town missed classes will be allowed to be made up.
- In an effort to provide quality instruction while maintaining appropriate class ratios, make-up classes in sections with a full roster will not be permitted. Please contact Carol Sassorossi at 847-579-4103 for a list of available classes.
- Make-ups are limited to 2 per session and must be made up during the same session as the class(es) missed.
- Participants must remain off the equipment and floor until it is their class time and they are called to class by their instructor.
- Our gymnastics staff reserves the right to move students to the appropriate level if needed.
Open Gym 
Centennial Gymnastics also offers a Parent and Child open gym time weekly for ages 1 1/2 -5. Open gym sessions are also offered during winter and spring break. Parent supervision is required. $6 per child/per hour.
Fall Session Open Gymnastics Schedule Sept 3 – Dec 18:
Tuesday: 10:30-11:30am
Wednesday: 11:15am-12:15pm
Private Lessons
For those interested in learning more skills and progressing faster, or specific skills for cheer-leading or competition.
Private Lesson Fees:
$40/30 minutes
$55/ 45 minutes
$70/60 minutes
Contact:
Centennial Ice Arena
847.432.4790
Party bookings are now online! Click here to book your party at Centennial Ice Arena.
For more questions about birthday parties please contact Stephanie Sylvester, ssylvester@pdhp.org
Ice Skating Party
Skate and glide your way to a birthday party not to be forgotten. Ice skating parties are a unique and exciting way to celebrate your special day. Parties are held during public skating sessions on the weekends. Party package includes skate fees, skate rentals and party room. Upon your request, when you book your party, on-ice instruction is available for your guests.
A $50 refundable damage deposit is charged at the time of purchase. Deposits shall be refunded approximately two weeks after the date of the rental if the group or individuals using the space left the room in an orderly state. Please note: Additional fees will be assessed to the renter if there is any damage incurred by misuse of the facility and its property.
Cancellation policy: Parties are 50% refundable if reservation is cancelled thirty or more working days prior to approved rental time. If reservation is cancelled less than thirty days, only the security deposit will be returned.
Ice Skating Party times include:
- Saturday and Sunday 12:45-2:15pm
Party Package Fees
- 10-20 skaters: $200
- 21-30 skaters: $280
- 30+ skaters: $360
- $75/instructor (advance notice required)
Gymnastics Party
Children ages 3-12 are invited to jump, swing and roll to a birthday filled with fun at Centennial’s gymnastic studio. Our parties are geared to your child’s age group and ability. Obstacle courses are set up using various pieces of gymnastic equipment. Parties last an hour and a half: one hour of gymnastic fun and a half hour of refreshments and presents provided by the host. Party package includes instructors, gymnastics room and party room.
A $50 refundable damage deposit is charged at the time of purchase. Deposits shall be refunded approximately two weeks after the date of the rental if the group or individuals using the space left the room in an orderly state. Please note: Additional fees will be assessed to the renter if there is any damage incurred by misuse of the facility and its property.
Cancellation policy: Parties are 50% refundable if reservation is cancelled thirty or more working days prior to approved rental time. If reservation is cancelled less than thirty days, only the security deposit will be returned.
Gymnastics Party times include:
- Saturdays: 3:30-5:00pm
- Sundays: 10:45am-12:15pm, 12:45-2:15pm, 2:45-4:15pm
Party Package Fees
- 0-20 kids: $310
- 21-30 kids: $385
