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 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
Mon-Thu | 9 am-5 pm
Fri | 9 am-4 pm
Sat | 8 am-2 pm
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
View Winter Ice Schedules Below:
Winter Session Public Skate Schedule
Public Skating Fees:
- Youth: (Up to age 18) $6
- Adult: $7
- Ice Skate Rental: $3
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.
Learn to Skate and Hockey Lessons
Falcons Hockey Association TRY HOCKEY FREE DAY – Sunday, March 8
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce and Blades | 4-5 | Beginner | A combination class of skating and gymnastics. |
| 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. |
| Rising Stars | 4-5 | Beginner | A combination class with options for gymnastics, dance and skating. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Coffee Club | 18 & Up | Beginner-Advanced | Includes practice ice time and an Adult 1-4, Adult Freeskate or Skate Fit class. |
| 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 Inga at 847-579-4104 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
Ice Show 2020 – Skate University
Ice Show 2020 Information Page
Open Freestyle Practice Time
Register here for Spring Package Ice
View Ice Schedules below:
Recreational and Competitive Gymnastics
| Class Name | Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bouncing Babies | Parent Tot | 11mo-1.5yr | An introduction to your curious young child to the world of gymnastics. |
| Itsy Bitsy Tumblers | Parent Tot | 1½-2 | Develop large motor skills, get an intro to gym equipment, and learn spatial awareness. |
| 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. |
| Rising Stars | 4-5 | Combination class with options to tumble, dance and/or skate. |
| Siblings Gymnastics | Adult/Child: Ages 2-5 | A family class that builds skills progressively and age appropriately. |
| Gymnastics Club | 3-4 | Have fun learning gymnastics, playing games, storytelling, and making crafts. |
| Bounce and Blades | 4-5 | A combination class of skating and gymnastics. |
| 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 | 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. |
| 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. |
| Boys | ||
| 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 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.
- Makeup 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 Deb at 847-579-4106 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.
Winter Session Open Gymnastics Schedule Jan 6-March 21
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 cheerleading or competition.
Private Lesson Fees:
$40/30 minutes
$55/ 45 minutes
$70/60 minutes
Contact:
Deb Dean, Gymnastics Coordinator
847.579.4106
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 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
