You may be wondering about this stock photo. And yes, it is because I forgot to take pictures. But I did want to include a shot in this blog of the outside of this Rec center since I have strong memories of it from my childhood. The St Louis Park Rec center used to look very 70's ish, with a swooping roof and utilitarian grey concrete. At some point in the 80's they remodeled it to look a little more inviting by adding glass and some blue accents.
This is the first time I've been back, and gone inside, since I was a kid and came here for lessons and the occasional open skate. This time I was here with my kid and his friend as we endeavored to burn off some energy on a 20 below day. The skating rink did not disappoint. It was warm enough to not wear a jacket. The ice was smooth and perfect for an emerging skater. And the hockey player boxes were like I remembered as a child. Perfect for taking a break in and for goofing around with a friend. While the boy was not thrilled by the experience, I chalked it up to new skating jitters and vowed to return to the ice soon.
As a kid I always skated indoors, which is odd given that we live in a climate that is cold enough for water to freeze outside, and I grew up near a lake. But rinks did have piped in music, so maybe that's why they were such a hit. It always felt akin to roller skating, but more rock, less disco, with little places to sneak away from your parents.
Now I usually skate outdoors at Powderhorn Park pond, a place were people have skated for over 100 years. It feels so tranquil and poetic with the island and the trees - nothing like my childhood experience. The ice is rougher and for beginning skaters it can be a bit more challenging. But, that's part of the fun, right? My goal is for Felix and I to get out on the ice more this winter, and try out some of the different skating experiences available. We will see how many we can get to before the weather warms up again, and report back!
