Participants need to be in equipment and ready to go by the time class starts. As it typically takes skaters 20 minutes to get ready, we suggest at least 20 minutes before class. The first day of class, skaters should arrive 30 minutes before class to get acquainted with the facility, use the restroom, and get help with equipment if needed.
Children with no or very little skating experience should register for Learn to Skate 1.
For those interested in hockey, your skater can begin taking hockey classes once they complete Learn to Skate 2.
Full gear is required for all levels, including helmet with face mask, shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey pants, shin pads, hockey socks, and skates.
Hockey equipment rentals are available and included with all our hockey academy classes. These include helmet, elbow pads, shoulder pads, shin guards, hockey pants, hockey stick, and skates. We recommend that all participants also have a neck guard and hockey socks.
Birthday cakes or desserts can be homemade for any of the Park District birthday parties. Please be mindful of potential allergies your guests may have. We do not supply any serving or eating utensils.
At Ridgeland Common, the host family (and additional chaperones as needed) is responsible for supervising the children while in the pool, ice arena and party room.
At the Stevenson Center Indoor Playground parties, adults are allowed in the playground area and are responsible for monitoring children. They are expected, just like the children, to remove their shoes when walking on the mats.
At the Gymnastics and Recreation Center, the party activities are organized and supervised by gymnastics staff. Therefore, adults are not allowed in the gymnastics area. Adults are welcome to watch from the lobby area or second floor balcony.
