Learn to Skate at Franciscan Health Pavilion at Bulldog Park (Ages 3 and Older)

Looking for some fun winter activities this year? Our Learn to Skate program will kick off Nov. 28, 2023! 

This season, we will have two, six-week sessions with classes meeting once a week. Session 1 begins the week of Nov. 27 and runs through the week of Jan. 15. Learn to Skate classes will not be held during the holiday season from Dec. 20, 2023, to Jan. 3, 2024.

Due to the nature of an outdoor rink and unpredictable weather, all canceled classes will be made up the week following the end of a session.

Our classes are open for skaters of all levels and all ages! See below for more details on all class options! If you’re still not sure where to start, let us know! We will find the right fit for you and your skater!

Click here to sign up!

Tots (Ages 3 to 5)

The goal of our Tot class is to teach our youngest skaters how to be on the ice safely while having fun! Helmets are STRONGLY recommended. Skate rental is included in the class fee.

Skills learned in this class include:

• Skate safety
• Proper way to fall down and stand up
• Forward marching
• Backward wiggles
• Dips

For safety reasons, class sizes will be limited to EIGHT skaters per class. Classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-5:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 8-8:45 a.m. Depending on the popularity of the classes, we may add a second class on each of the days.

Beginners 1 (Ages 6-12)

Similar to the Tot class, the Beginner 1 class will focus on skate safety, as well as the basics of skating. Helmets are STRONGLY recommended. Skate rental is included in the class fee.

Skills learned in this class include:

• Proper way to fall down and stand up
• Forward marching
• Two foot glides
• Backward wiggles
• Dips
• Beginner swizzles

For safety reasons, class sizes will be limited to 12 skaters per class. Classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-5:45 p.m., and Saturdays from 8-8:45 a.m. Depending on the popularity of the classes, we may add a second class on each of the days.

Beginners 2 (12+, Coach Approval Required)

For the skaters who joined us last year, have previously taken lessons or who pick up on skills quickly, this class is for you! Coach approval is required to be allowed in this class. Skate rental is included in the class fee.

Skills learned in this class include:

• Forward skating
• One foot glides
• Backward wiggles
• Swizzles
• Beginner backward swizzles
• Stopping

For safety reasons, class sizes will be limited to 12 skaters per class. Classes will be offered on Tuesdays from 6-6:45 p.m.

Adults (Ages 18 +)

Learning to skate when you are no longer 10 years old and invincible can be a scary thought, but it should not stop you from trying something new! Whether you’re 18 and working on your Olympic debut, or you’re 74 and want to fulfill a lifelong dream, we’ve got you covered!

Our Adult class is tailored to your needs! There is not a specific skill set laid out for this class. Whatever your goals are, we’ll figure out a way to get you there! Skate rental is included in the class fee.

For safety reasons, class sizes will be limited to 12 skaters per class. Classes will be offered on Thursdays from 6-6:45 p.m.

Individual fee |
Residents: $125
Non-residents: $156.25

Session 1 Registration deadline: Nov. 21, 2023

Meet the Instructor: Sara Rhoades

Sara Rhoades has been skating for 27 years and coaching for more than 14 years. 

Prior to becoming an instructor for the Crown Point Athletics Learn to Skate program, Sara coached at Midwest, Homewood-Flossmoor and in Hammond. She has taught various classes at every age level, ranging from toddlers to adults. 

Sara also offers skaters private lessons prior to regular class time. Anyone interested in private lessons should contact Sara at sararhoades0703@yahoo.com.