We are committed to the health and safety of everyone who visits Centennial Ice Arena. Face coverings are required in all areas at all times at Centennial, including gymnastics and skating classes.
You can find the details on all Centennial Ice Arena’s strict safety and sanitization protocols and guidelines here.
Watch our video for a complete overview of the investment your Park District is making for you, your family, and our community’s health & safety.
We appreciate your compliance with these safety guidelines and procedures for the well-being of our community.
About Centennial Ice Arena
Centennial is a premier regional teaching center for both ice skating and gymnastics, with highly qualified staff and progressive programming. The facility features an indoor ice rink and a fully-equipped gymnastics studio. We offer Learn to Skate, hockey, freestyle, and gymnastics lessons for all skill levels. Centennial is a member of AAU Gymnastics, US Figure Skating and follows the Learn to Skate USA program.
Front Desk Hours
The Front Desk at Centennial is currently closed. Please register for classes online, or contact Stephanie Sylvester, Recreation Supervisor at ssylvester@pdhp.org for registration questions.
Learn to Skate USA
Centennial is proud to offer the Learn to Skate USA curriculum, providing a fun and positive experience that instills a lifelong love of skating. Something happens the moment your skates touch the ice. It is a surreal and empowering experience to learn as much about yourself as you do skating. You learn glides, swizzles, edges, crossovers as you build 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 improve 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
Carol Sassorossi, Program Manager
847.579.4103
csassorossi@pdhp.org
Stephanie Sylvester, Recreation Supervisor
847.579.4108
ssylvester@pdhp.org
Public skating will not be available until at least Phase 5 of Restore Illinois Guidelines.
See updated information on facilities and programs here.
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 Association, as well as a variety of clinics and camps to improve hockey skills. Please read over our facility guidelines for hockey and facility guidelines for figure skating prior to arriving at our facility.
Learn to Skate and Hockey Lessons – Spring Session
| Class Name | Age | Description | Player Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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 1-7 | 6 & Up | Prerequisite Pre-Freeskate Gold | Jumps, spins, and footwork. |
| Power | Pre-FS & Up | Pre FS-High FS | Develop endurance, speed, and strength. |
| 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. |
| 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 no more than 10 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 $20/session, with an $85 refundable damage deposit.
- 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, spectators will not be allowed until Phase 5.
- 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:
- Make up classes will not be allowed until Phase 5.
Contacts:
Stephanie Sylvester
Recreation Supervisor
ssylvester@pdhp.org
Sheila Lonergan
Skating Coordinator
slonergan@pdhp.org
Click Here to Reserve Open Freestyle Ice
Click Here to Reserve Packaged Freestyle Ice
CIA COVID-19 Freestyle Guidelines
- You should NOT enter facility if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or you are from a household with someone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Face covering is required at all times in the facility, even while exercising.
- Use hand sanitizer or wash hands as you enter Centennial.
- No more than 10 skaters are permitted on the ice.
- Lost items such as personal clothing, shoes, bags will be disposed of daily, except for electronic items and keys.
- No vending machines or concessions will be available.
- Arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your scheduled freestyle time.
- Skaters are expected to follow physical distancing rules of 6 feet before, during, and after skating.
- Skaters should not congregate along the boards or on the benches.
- Face coverings must always be worn.
- Skaters must arrive fully dressed and ready to participate. A water bottle, skate guards, face mask, Rink Music fob, hand sanitizer, and small face towel will be the only items allowed in the facility in a small skate bag.
Following Phase 4 guidelines, Centennial Ice Arena is open for gymnastics classes following these guidelines.
Recreational and Competitive Gymnastics – Spring Session
| Class Name | Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 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 (not yet in kindergarten) | An advanced class which builds a strong foundation for skill comprehension. |
| Kindergym | 5-6 | This class is designed for Kindergarteners to learn basic gymnastics skills using all the gymnastics equipment. |
| Gymnastics | Recreational Gymnastics Program | ||
| Beginner 1 | 5-12 | No previous formal gymnastics exposure required. Learn basic gymnastic body positions, skills, and build coordination and strength. No experience needed. |
| Beginner 2 | 5-12 | A 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. |
| 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 | 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. |
General Information and Procedures
- Please self-certify prior to coming to class. Do NOT enter facility if you have any COVID-19 symptoms or you are from a household with someone with COVID-19 symptoms.
- 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. Spectators will not be allowed until Phase 5.
- Only 1 adult allowed during parent/tot class.
- Face mask is required at all times in the facility, even while exercising.
- Social distancing must always be maintained. No congregating allowed.
- Parents are allowed to walk their gymnasts into the facility, but then must leave the facility and return at pick up time.
- For safety and comfort, proper athletic attire is mandatory for all gymnasts. Arrive dressed for your class. Limit personal belongings.
- 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. Concession and vending machines are closed until Phase 5.
- Bring your own water bottle. Water fountains are closed except for touchless re-fillable water bottle stations.
- Makeup Class Policy:
- Make up classes will NOT be allowed until Phase 5.
- 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 
Will return in Phase 5
Private Lessons
For those interested in learning more skills and progressing faster, or specific skills for cheerleading or competition.
Private Lesson Fees: (Beginning 9/1/2020)
$45/30 minutes
$60/ 45 minutes
$75/60 minutes
Contact:
Deb Dean, Gymnastics Coordinator
847.579.4106
Rentals and birthday parties will not be available until at least Phase 5 of Restore Illinois. See updated information on facilities and programs here.
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 your 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 12:45-2:15 pm
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
