Des Moines Sun

Just in time for the winter holiday season, Friday, November 18 marks the first day of the ice-skating season at Brenton Skating Plaza (520 Robert D. Ray Drive) in downtown Des Moines. Open skating sessions will be available from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and opening night will include a special visit from Santa and a holiday tree lighting ceremony.From November to March, Brenton Skating Plaza offers open-air skating for all ages. Located on the Principal Riverwalk along the Des Moines River, this facility and family entertainment venue opened in 2006 thanks to a gift from the Brenton Foundation.Open skating sessions are limited to 210 skaters at a time, and each session lasts for an hour and 45 minutes. To reserve your session, online registration is available now at DSM.city/BrentonSkatingPlaza. Walk-up admission will be available as space allows. Skate rentals are available to those without their own pair.

Festivities for opening night will be streamed live via the City of Des Moines SkyCam at DSM.city/SkyCam and on Mediacom Channel 7 (777 HD).

In addition to opening night festivities, Des Moines Parks & Recreation has planned a full slate of activities for the season:

• Learn To Skate (Nov. 19, Dec. 3, Jan. 7 and 21, Feb. 4 and 18; 10:30-11:30 a.m.)
  Free Learn to Skate clinics will be held throughout the skating season, led by professional skating coach Darlene Lewis. All abilities welcome. Ages four and up - even adults can join in the fun! Pre-registration required.
• Senior Skate (Each Wednesday; 2-3:45 p.m.)
  Are you over 60 and enjoy ice skating? If yes, this session is for you! For just $5 (admission and skate rental), it is a great opportunity to exercise in the open air and socialize with fellow skaters!
• Adaptive Skating (Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2; 11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
  Specially designed classes allow individuals with a range of physical or developmental abilities to ice skate. For just $5 (admission and skate rental), this skate program is designed to engage these individuals in the sport for recreational activity and enjoyment. All ages welcome.
• Homeschool Skate (Dec. 1, Jan. 5, Feb. 2; 1:30–3:30 p.m.)
  Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites students that are homeschooled to enjoy an afternoon at the ice rink. For just $5 (admission and skate rental), you can enjoy the fresh air and skate along with your friends during Homeschool Skate. Ages 18 and under.
• Student Night (Each Thursday; open to close)
  Calling all students! Every Thursday, Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites students to skate! Students must show school ID to receive a special $5 admission with skate rental.
• MLK Jr. Donate and Skate Day (Jan. 16; Noon-9 p.m.)
  Donate non-perishable food items and/or adult-sized new socks for Central Iowa Shelter & Services on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Free admission and skate rental when you donate! All ages welcome.
• Family Skate Date (Jan. 21; Noon-2 p.m.)
  Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation for our 2nd annual Family Skate Date! This is your chance to safely come out to Brenton Skating Plaza for ice skating and family-friendly games (Limbo, Four Corners, etc.) on the ice. All friends, family, guardians and loved ones are invited to attend. Registration includes admission, skate rental stocking cap and free refreshments. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration required.
• Superhero and Princess Skate (Feb. 4; 9-11 a.m.)
  Special guests will be at Brenton Skating Plaza to meet and greet skaters. We encourage people of all ages to wear their favorite superhero or prince/princess outfits. Come join the fun at the ice rink and snap a photo! All ages are welcome. Pre-registration required.
• Military Appreciation Skate (Feb. 4 and 5; open to close)
  Those currently and formerly enlisted in the Armed Forces receive free admission and skate rental for themselves and up to three family members. Military ID or other proof of service is required. Free American flags will be given out to all skaters (while supplies last). Military spotlight skate will be held once per session. All ages welcome.
• Teacher Appreciation Skate (Feb. 11; open to close)
  Teachers on this day receive free admission and skate rental. Teachers must show their school ID. If you are not a teacher help support the local schools and donate supplies for the classroom (i.e. pencils, crayons, tissue, and markers). Ages 18 and up.
• Valentine’s Day Skate (Feb. 14; 5-9 p.m.)
  Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Brenton Skating Plaza! Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental. Two skate for the price of one! This is the perfect family or date activity for the special holiday. Join us and each skater will receive a cookie and flower. All ages welcome.
• Day After Valentine’s Day Skate (Feb. 15; 5-9 p.m.)
  Did you forget it was Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret because Des Moines Parks and Recreation has you covered! Join us for Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental. Two skate for the price of one! Each skater will receive a cookie and flower. All ages welcome.

Brenton Skating Plaza will also be available for rental for private events, a popular option for birthday parties and company retreats.

For more information about these activities, holiday hours and regular hours for open skating at the plaza, visit DSM.city/BrentonSkatingPlaza or call 515-283-ICED(4233).

Original source can be found here.