To accommodate crews working on the Senior Center, from Thurs., Aug 1 through Sat., Aug 3 the Recreation Center elevator will be out of service. On Thurs., Aug 1, from 8am to noon, the Recreation Center locker rooms will be closed and the entrance to the Center will be limited to the southeast side, next to the lobby and the emergency exit.  Also, on Thurs., Aug 1, from noon to 5pm, the Recreation Center’s pool and locker rooms will be closed and the hot water will be shut off. We appreciate your patience during this time.

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Welcome Deb Jenssen, Our New Ice Skating Coordinator!
Welcome Deb Jenssen, Our New Ice Skating Coordinator!

January 17, 2024

We’re thrilled to welcome Deb Jenssen to the Centennial Ice Arena family as our dynamic Skating Coordinator! With a lifelong love for figure skating, Deb brings a wealth of experience and a contagious passion for the ice. Dive into her journey – from the early days of preschool skating in Rolling Meadows to winning National Championships with the first Starlight team. Deb’s commitment to teaching shines through as she shares a glimpse into her story and aspirations!

What is your background and what inspired you to become a skating coordinator at Centennial Ice Arena?

I grew up skating in Rolling Meadows during preschool. As I grew older, my coach asked me if I wanted to try out for Barrington’s Precision Team, now called Synchro. I skated on the first Starlight team in the area, winning many National Championships. During that time, I also skated Freestyle and Figures.  I enjoy teaching others and love seeing skaters take pride in their skating achievements.

Can you share a bit about your own journey in figure skating and how it led you to teaching?

I have always been passionate about skating. I have three cousins who skated and two who are now coaches in the area. I always enjoyed (and still do) watching skating shows and competitions. I began volunteering for Northwest Special Recreation Association’s Learn to Skate Program during college. After becoming a staff member, I helped develop their competitive skating program. Working with skaters with disabilities has taught me to be a better coach. 

What’s your favorite thing about teaching figure skating to aspiring skaters?

I really enjoy seeing the growth within skaters! Growth can be so tiny or so big! 

Have you set any goals or visions for the skaters you’ll be working with at Centennial Ice Arena?

I would love to grow the skating programs in Highland Park. Whether you are just learning or an expert skater! Skating is really for all!

Finally, what message would you like to share with the community about the joys and benefits of figure skating?

Skating is a whole-body sport! Studies have shown that doing sports like skating can help connect the two sides of the brain work together. What is great about skating is it can be an all-ages sport. You can begin at three and skate till you are 100! Skating also has so many different aspects to it: Basic, Freestyle, Ice Dancing, Pairs, and Synchronized Skating.