Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
In the latest episode of Northbrook in 90, we took the minute and a half to highlight the Northbrook Park District’s amazing Skating School, whose talented instructors have sparked a passion for ice skating in thousands of students over the decades. Let’s unpack everything from the episode and dive deeper into the program.
The Northbrook Park District’s Skating School is not just about teaching ice skills — it’s also about helping children develop confidence and build friendships, and, best of all, giving them the chance to participate in the spectacular Northbrook-On-Ice show. Ice Skating Supervisor Ania Lopez said the quality of instruction and the opportunities for both competition and recreational fun make the Skating School at the Northbrook Sports Center stand out.
“Our Skating School focuses on a positive and encouraging environment for children of all ages,” Lopez said. “The introductory classes are a gateway for youth to explore their interests towards one of three possibilities on the ice: figure skating, hockey or speed skating.”
Parents say their children love taking ice skating classes at the Northbrook Sports Center, whose multi-level class structure is based on standards developed by the U.S. Figure Skating Association.
The park district’s skating levels are divided into:
Snowplow Sam
Introductory classes for ages 3 through 6 with no previous instruction or experience, and beginning basic skills lessons including falling, standing, marching and basic gliding. These on-ice and off-ice classes help the young skater build confidence.
Basic Skills
Featuring six progressive levels (Basic 1-6) for ages 7 through 12, starting with new skaters with no prior experience. These classes focus on developing the fundamental skating skills: agility, balance, coordination and speed.
Free Skate
Open to students who have passed Basic 6. Starting with Pre-Free Skate followed by Free Skate 1-6, students learn a variety of progressive skating skills, transitions, spins and jumps.
Let’s dive deeper into the program and go beyond the episode with some feedback from families who have participated in Skating School recently.
Nikki Goldman’s 8-year-old daughter, Amaya, takes the Pre-Free Skate class and will also be taking the Basic 5 Low Power class along with private lessons this fall. Amaya’s younger brother, Ryder, 4, will take the SnowPlow Sam 1 class, and is looking forward to trying ice hockey as soon as his skating gets a little better, their mother said.
For Amaya, taking classes also means socializing with her friends, her mother said.
“Even though they’re not all in the same level, most are still in classes at the same time, and all are in Low Power together. They get to eat lunch at the rink in between, which is a highlight!”
Ashley Rossman’s daughter Sienna also started in Snowplow Sam 1, gradually progressing to her current Basic 4 class after spending the summer working with a private coach. For Sienna, the classes fostered her desire to take private lessons, her mother said.
Both Goldman and Rossman said they would “definitely recommend” the program to other families. “We’ve been very happy,” Goldman said. “The icing on the cake is that we have the best ice show around!”
Northbrook-On-Ice takes place in May and showcases exciting performances from skaters of all ages and levels from the park district’s Skating School and Freestyle Ice program. Each year has a different theme — “Skate in Paradise” was the latest one — featuring dazzling choreography and costumes. The 2025 show marks 55 years of this Mother’s Day weekend tradition and will feature alumni as well as current skaters.
Schlesinger concluded the episode by reminding us that Northbrook Sports Center has been an exceptional place for generations of skating students and that ice skating is something that anyone can enjoy for the rest of their lives. To enroll your children in Skating School, please visit nbparks.org/skatingschool or call 847-291-2993.
…and that’s Northbrook in 90, unpacked!