Remember the thread "If I owned the rink"? Well, here is our opportunity to build our own rink.
The rule is that you can add only one thing at a time, and you can only modify something that exists. The 'rules' can be changed by imagination, acclimation, or determination. Once the rink is built we can design perfect competitions. You can put anything in the rink you want: chandeliers in the girls changing room? Okay by me. Alligator pit in the hockey changing room, okay by me.
I'll give everyone a running start:
We have four acres of flat land, with zoning permission for commercial construction. We'll need the perfect parking, the perfect building, the perfect ice, the perfect everything.
Go to it!
Great thread, Agnes. *chants* One thing at a time...
I'd like the building to include at least two sheets of ice.
I'm putting in parking so that coaches have a reserved section next to the private coach entrance.
And the parking lot is paved smoothly so that skate bags roll nicely all the way up to the automatic doors that open wide enough for one skate to exit while another is entering.
Great idea AgnesNitt!
Quote from: AgnesNitt on January 09, 2011, 07:17:43 PMAlligator pit in the hockey changing room, okay by me.
(if I ask for hungry alligators in the pit, does that count as my "one thing"?)I'd like really good lighting please - and all the light globes to work (yes I'm looking at my home rink while I say this!)
The box office will have 5 windows to eliminate long lines to check in.
I would like the temperature to be warmer than it is outside in the winter time. And for the ice to be absolutely PERFECT for figure skating.
Heated bleachers so that the parents don't have to bundle up with blankets and such as well!
Continually cleaned rubber mats around the rink so that even if you DO forget your skate guards, there won't be any nasty bits of grit on the rubber to take the edge off of blades.
Quote from: Sk8tmum on January 09, 2011, 10:15:20 PM
Continually cleaned rubber mats around the rink so that even if you DO forget your skate guards, there won't be any nasty bits of grit on the rubber to take the edge off of blades.
I've purchased an R2D2 variant, and I'm programming it now for 'cleanup'. In the Air Force we call that 'grit' and other nasties FOD: Foreign Object Damage. Since R2D2 is a military robot, I've just managed to get into the FOD check sub-routine and I'm now adjusting the parameters to 'grit and nasties'.
There Done!
On behalf of skate@delaware, I submit a ice lighting system that can project patterns onto the ice for Moves, Dance, and Figures.
A skate guard thingamie that holds your guards & you can skate over to the sidelines & pick them up out of it
Has to have an automatic name system though - no confusion over who's guards are whose (I'm sure there are heaps of people wearing the same brand & colour) and they don't get knocked off the edge of the boards or your bag dumped on the ground so that you can't reach your guards and have to wander around the mats hoping grit/FOD won't get your blades
We'll put RFID chips in the guards. Just like your dog.
I'll add boards that are padded and teflon coated to resist marks and scratches.
I'd like a coaches' changing room with lockers, a warm, clean half-bathroom and a recliner.
Plus enforced rules about who can use the room and a locking door.
Perfect Zambonis that NEVER break down and deliver marvelous ice every time, regardless of the cluelessness of the operator driving them.
How about robots that scour the ice, filling in divots and grooves, and using a laser level to make sure the ice is even? Energy efficient, running on electricity instead of propane.
I would like a proper cafeteria with a nice variety of *good* food. And it should always be open.
A robot who travels around the dressing room taking skates, drying them perfectly, and then returning them to the skater. Said robot having a little internal compartment where you can put your outdoor shoes in to have them clean, warm and ready to go after you take the skates off. The deluxe model having a coffee/hot chocolate dispenser attachment, however, that's an optional accessory.
Quote from: Sk8tmum on January 10, 2011, 06:21:19 PM
The deluxe model having a coffee/hot chocolate dispenser attachment, however, that's an optional accessory.
Please don't let that be optional!! :D
Per the rules of the game, if we've added something, when are we allowed to add something else? (I want to add hot water in the zamboni tank?)
I'm adding a couple of sofas and a few full length mirrors to the coaches' locker room. It will also have perfect cell reception for all providers, and free wifi.
No one mentioned music in the rink?
Audio system with multiple speakers throughout the rinks and an on-ice remote control for coaches to use when they want to stop or change the song.
Quote from: AgnesNitt on January 09, 2011, 10:57:32 PM
We'll put RFID chips in the guards. Just like your dog.
ROFL!
How about a coaches office, where you can find a coach between certain hours to discuss things with (not disappear straight after the lesson into some back room where we can't find you)
AND where the paperwork is all kept in easy reach & filed appropriately, I'm rather fed up with my certificates not being issued because you can't find a copy of my test which has disappeared into some black hole and come back next week & you still haven't written it!
Or even better - maybe RFID for us skaters that automatically uploads the number of skills we passed at the level we tested at and automatically spits out a certificate with that info on!
mirrors on the ice so you can observe your position and make sure you're doing things correctly :)
Just a note: you can post more than once to help design the rink. However, you can only add one suggestion in each post.
A dance room with wooden dance floor, sound system and mirrors for awesome off-ice / dance workouts. (And fun parties!)
In addition to the dance room, an elevated 3 lane track above the rink, free weights, weight machines, cardio machines, mats, steps, etc. basically a full gym :)
Quote from: FigureSpins on January 09, 2011, 07:23:55 PM
I'd like the building to include at least two sheets of ice.
I'll modify this into four sheets. One is for high freestyle, and has mirrors and perfect figure skating ice. The other is for open freestyle and group lessons, and also has perfect ice. One is for hockey and public skate, so the rink can make a profit. This rink is in the back so the figure skaters never have to look at it or smell it. One rink is a big stadium rink for hockey games and for the professional hockey teams to practice on. It's also occasionally used for figure skating shows.
A zuca bag "parking area" (like Disney's stroller parking) with jacket hooks above, so that those bags aren't blocking the benches in the lobby/changing area. (With Zuca advertising above it, to pay for Sierra's segregated rinks.)
Quote from: Kim to the Max on January 11, 2011, 08:14:18 AM
In addition to the dance room, an elevated 3 lane track above the rink, free weights, weight machines, cardio machines, mats, steps, etc. basically a full gym :)
Yes! I'll add a hot tub with full bar.
Excuse me, move over, big crane coming in. We're putting apartments on the floor above the rink for coaches and elite skaters.
Off ice professional trainers and dance professionals who specialize in figure skating. These trainers would offer organized classes as well as one-on-one training for free.
on-site free massage therapist
Quote from: AgnesNitt on January 11, 2011, 08:15:43 PM
Excuse me, move over, big crane coming in. We're putting apartments on the floor above the rink for coaches and elite skaters.
I'm not living up there, even if I do feel like I live at the rink. My family's too loud to be in an apartment. (The sweet college girl who works at the rink told me "I feel like you're here everyday!" when I was there on Sunday.)
On site child care/play place so parents can work out while kids have fun! (Extra charge for non-members)
Anti collision systems that prevent skaters running into each other... I wouldn't have a damaged wrist or pick and blade marks in my boots from people crashing into me!
Quote from: kiwiskater on January 12, 2011, 02:46:59 PM
Anti collision systems that prevent skaters running into each other, I wouldn't have a damaged wrist or pick and blade marks in my boots from people crashing into me!
OK, if we're going SciFi here, then I want bubbles like in "The Prisoner." When you crash, a bubble envelopes you before you hit the ice, and whisks you off, depositing you safely on your feet.
SciFi Rules!
The rental skates will contain RFIDs that set off alarms if the wearer tries to take them outside or to an area without proper flooring. Their slots in the rental area will automatically give them a quick sharpening when they are returned to their proper place.
The program skater is given a force field that pushes everybody else out of the way. Skaters in the way will find themselves being gently pushed backward by the unseen force field.
The ice has little robots that resurface as they go, and they have a 15 foot sensor field that keeps them from running into skaters. The robots are capable of filling in lutz divots.
The door has a guard service- the skater stands at the door and picks up their foot like a horse. The system selects the correct guard from the above-mentioned chip technology and it is expertly put upon the skater's blade.
New skaters wear a buzzer that contains artificial intelligence. The AI buzzes them when they are skating in the wrong area (spins in the lutz corner) or in the way of a lesson.
High res security camera is put on all arenas and will solve any injury disputes.
I'm adding appraisals of programs, instructors and skaters.
Those who receive too many complaints or have a nasty attitude get a mandatory suspension during revamping/retraining.
Remember everyone, one thing at a time. :)
I've been good. :angel Except for the skate rental things.
Quote from: Sierra on January 13, 2011, 07:34:29 PM
High res security camera is put on all arenas and will solve any injury disputes.
What injuries? Remember the bubbles and force fields!
I'm adding lots of changing/party rooms - complete with mirrors, loos, power outlets, handbasins and hot water - so that when the perfect rink holds competitions with synchro teams involved, each synchro team gets a proper change room rather than a curtained-off space in a tent, and we don't have to clear out of the room the absolute instant we come off the ice.
That's great (says the woman who roped off a shower and put down rubber mats so there would be more privacy for show skaters doing costume quick-changes.)
I'm putting in graffiti-resistant plastic stalls in the bathrooms. Bonus: they're easier to keep clean!
A can of black paint so I can get rid of those selfish reserved parking spots...
:)
Removable round, cushioned "bar table(s)." Similar to the movable punching/kicking devices at martial arts' studios, but waist height (adjustable) with a cushioned ledge/hand rail.
These can be used to teach edges, figures, three turns, brackets, etc since they will provide support and alignment for beginners. Practicing these on a straight rink wall doesn't really simulate the curves needed for turns. The ordinary rink corners curve the wrong way.
Oh, okay I see where this going...LOL!
Hmm, I'll settle for a virtual reality chamber (Like Star Trek's NG hologram room) where I can experience the feeling of landing triple axels and skating with the stars. Even better, some nanobots that transform your body into an Olympic level skater (think of the money you'll save on lessons and practice!).
If you guys get childcare, then I demand doggie care! My two pups would love to me skate!
Quote from: Sk8Dreams on January 13, 2011, 10:01:55 PM
What injuries? Remember the bubbles and force fields!
Oops. Technology conflict. Maybe the public skating injuries? Not enough bubbles to go around.
I forgot the one thing at a time- overenthusiastic. All out of ideas anyway. :)
Free valet parking.
Quote from: AgnesNitt on January 15, 2011, 05:17:41 PM
Free valet parking.
Undercover so we don't have to walk to the door in the rain.
I'm also setting up part of the parking area so in the winter we can flood it and have an outdoor rink. (With romantic lighting)
Lets just go ahead & add an "Artistry Studio' that includes hairdressers & make up artists... just to help all those show skaters
Can I add my physical therapy office to the area with the trainers and massage therapists? Then when I'm rehabbing injuries, I can take my skaters back onto the ice to see what changes need to be made.
Quote from: 1lutz2klutz on January 16, 2011, 08:20:12 PM
Can I add my physical therapy office to the area with the trainers and massage therapists? Then when I'm rehabbing injuries, I can take my skaters back onto the ice to see what changes need to be made.
Of course! I still use the knee exercises you told me about years ago. Did them yesterday, in fact, with the band.
Instant boot warmers that keep your feet warm the entire duration you're on the ice, for those of us with Raynaud's syndrome and just naturally cold toes. :)
In-house seamstresses who are able to create flattering, attractive and cost-effective costumes for a range of purposes, as well as doing alterations and repairs immediately.
Quote from: Sk8tmum on January 17, 2011, 01:02:58 PM
In-house seamstresses who are able to create flattering, attractive and cost-effective costumes for a range of purposes, as well as doing alterations and repairs immediately.
Can there be "Learn to Sew/Stone/Alter" classes too, please?
I'd really like to see some solar power collectors (solar panels?) installed to make the facility less reliant on the energy grid.
An attached cruise ship.
P.S. Changed my mind. I'll settle for a tropical isle.
I'm getting ready to add the spa.
Over here on the left are the hot wax foot baths. Left foot..right foot...aaahhh.
There will be no sleds, skate aids, skate trainers or whatever you call those things the toddlers use.
None. Nada. Not even your own. Things are a menace.
Friday nights should be "Family Skate" so kids aren't dropped off and left unsupervised for hours at a time.
Quote from: FigureSpins on January 23, 2011, 09:33:29 PM
There will be no sleds, skate aids, skate trainers or whatever you call those things the toddlers use.
None. Nada. Not even your own. Things are a menace.
I agree.
As long as you can use your own Zamboni during public sessions.
(I know one rink that ends sessions by opening the doors to the concrete area and driving the Zamboni onto the ice, chasing people away. Why should the staff have all the fun?)
Snowmobiles are fair too.
;D
Quote from: Query on January 24, 2011, 04:05:28 PM
I agree.
As long as you can use your own Zamboni during public sessions.
(I know one rink that ends sessions by opening the doors to the concrete area and driving the Zamboni onto the ice, chasing people away. Why should the staff have all the fun?)
Snowmobiles are fair too.
;D
Hehe our rink often does this, the end of a lesson or session is usually signalled by the zamboni starting up... the best sessions are when they are late - the coaches often keep teaching because we haven't been chased off :)
Off-topic, but I read an article about a rink that offers "learn to zamboni" lessons where they actually teach licensed drivers how to clean the ice.
LINK: http://thegardensicehouse.pointstreaksites.com/view/thegardensicehouse
(To the rink info, not to the article - can't find that online now.)
A quiet room with internet access, desk chairs and work tables so waiting parents can get work done or students can study/do homework.
I should be fair.
My favorite rink usually has 1 - 5 people during summer daytime public sessions, but more like 5-12 in the winter.
Plus every once in a while there is a party, or a school or church group dumps a large bunch of kids into a session. Today a local county closed its schools early, and there were over 50 (OMG!) people on the ice during one of the sessions. Needless to say, it was impossible to do anything fancy.
It's OK for me - I have the time to wait for another more empty session.
But the figure skating director says it isn't OK for most high level coaches, or for most high level skaters. They schedule lessons and practices during specific time slots, and if those time slots are too busy to do what they want, that is a problem. Said director says for a rink to attract many high level coaches and skaters, it must have a lot of contiguous freestyle (or dance, I guess) sessions. My favored rink made a decision to emphasize serving the general public (and the hockey community most evenings), rather than the elite figure skating community.
So what is good for me, might not be good for some of you.
Okay, I'm expanding the spa. Today we're adding those heated massage chairs to sit in while you get a pedicure and a foot massage after the hot wax bath.
See: you put in heated massage chairs and everyone falls asleep! Best feature on my new car? Heated leather seats, ahhhh!
This isn't a physical addition to the facility, but I suggest we rent the party rooms for the cost of clean up (ie. free if they leave it clean) to the figure skating and hockey clubs to have a (big event) big-screen TV viewing party. Invite the press to stop by and join the fun, so we get some good will out of the deal for the rink.
Can I add a section of the timetable allowing for comprehensive summer camp type things during the summer break? There must be room somewhere (I hope so anyway what with the 4 whole sheets of ice) to fit in some time for a training camp activity programme :laugh: I would love to attend one of those programmes - you know, for a whole week, skating activities all day 7am - 5pm! bliss! 8)
I could really use a rink like how this one is shaping up to be. Fine I could do without the spa *grumbles* but seriously, I would love some of these features that are being added! Give me a rink with built in gym any day, and a 2 sheet facility would be amazing!
A green carpark that
*absorbs all the water - no puddles
*Has nice shady bits in summer so that your car doesn't get too hot
*Is sheltered in winter
Quote from: pikachu314 on February 07, 2011, 12:00:06 PM
I could really use a rink like how this one is shaping up to be. Fine I could do without the spa *grumbles* but seriously, I would love some of these features that are being added! Give me a rink with built in gym any day, and a 2 sheet facility would be amazing!
Wait until you're a 50+ year old skater. The spa will be really nice then. Especially when Eduardo brings you a mojito while Hernando is giving you a foot massage.
I'll settle for a decent haircut and styling, lol.
While I'm at it, I'm tucking in a half rink with mirrors dedicated to adult recreational skaters, and ice dancers.
Have we included a full-service skating store that stocks every size and width of every manufacturer; has the ability to cut and fit two-part blade guards; will punch, shape, mold and fit boots with a happy smile; that carries gel pads of all sorts and sizes (not that you will need them with your new perfectly fitted boots); and does sharpening par excellence that is so good that it takes away almost none of the blade, meaning that blades will last, on average, 4 to 5 years?
Oh yeah. Doesn't charge a huge markup.
The pro shop can also have an online store and consignment list for distance sales and used items.
Around the outside of the center circle, there should be an easily read message:
QuoteThis area reserved for jumps and spins.
Not 100% effective, but a good start.
Compared to some of your ideas (and mine), this one is cheap.
Someone please define perfect skate guards!
>Someone please define perfect skate guards!
I assume you mean a rink employee, not a blade protector.
When no one is misbehaves (i.e., interferes with my skating), and no one is hurt, the perfect guard stays in the office. :)
Quote from: Query on February 23, 2011, 11:36:00 AM
When no one is misbehaves (i.e., interferes with my skating), and no one is hurt, the perfect guard stays in the office. :)
No, that's a slacker that sits in the office, hands off. There are plenty of those in the world and they're far from perfect.
A good skating guard socializes with the skaters, can defuse charged situations politely, addresses dangerous skating quickly, and enforces rules fairly & consistently.
Just to bump up the thread...
Online/telephone inquiries for private coaches will be handled fairly and efficiently.
Quote from: Isk8NYC on March 04, 2011, 01:42:27 PM
Online/telephone inquiries for private coaches will be handled fairly and efficiently.
I once asked the front desk and figure skating director for good coaches. They recommended coaches who didn't have enough students, for very good reasons.
But you were talking about the perfect rink.
In the vein of a facility that is unimaginably good for its customers:
(1) Rink staff aren't afraid to help people who are hurt. If needed, they call 911 promptly. They suggest washing injuries that bleed, and provide band aids and ice without being asked. They encourage staff to get first aid training.
(2) They post session schedules and driving directions for all nearby rinks.
(3) Novice skaters who wander into the figure skating area are instantly be transported, Star Trek style, into the hockey boxes.
(4) Abusive parents and coaches are instantly transported to their homes.
(5) They give me a good job.
I wasn't talking about fantasy and Big Brother-like actions. It's very simple to have the staff respond to private lesson inquiries and match/distribute the prospects without favoritism. BTW, ONE item per post.
Moving right along...
Spectator seats that can expand as needed, fold into the wall to allow for cleaning underneath and have heat underneath.
A heated room for skaters to wait in prior to competitions.
a carpark attendant who appreciates skaters, warm & friendly - but a mean machine to keep all the creeps away from our cars
FAt Free yogurt, carrot sticks and celery sticks, and fruit in the snack bar.
No fantasies? But I love transporters. Oh well.
Lots of classes aimed at adults, in addition to lots of kid's classes, but not on the same ice sheet with public and freestyle sessions.
Lots of adults to take them - but not too many in each class.
Lots of ice sheets to meet everybody's needs. A private Maryland facility is in the process of adding a 5th (1/2 size?) sheet of ice, if you count the club-run curling rink they've had for a few years as an ice sheet. At a time when many of the local single sheet rinks are struggling. (The figure skating director says having a lot of sheets attracts hockey and figure tournaments and competitions, and gives them the freedom to accommodate surprise events on relatively short notice. Maybe it gives them the money to actively market themselves (which they do), and to create innovative programs (to some extant they do).
Open for public and freestyle sessions (on separate sheets) most of the day.
Lots of activities for family members - we have already mentioned a pool and exercise rooms, but we can add a library, outdoor trails and places to boat, places to shop, etc. It should somehow be possible for parents to keep an eye on their kids while doing something else.
Free ice. (Sorry. Still stuck in fantasy land.)
A roof sweeper that can remove snow from the roof, protecting it from potential disaster.
Bonus: removed snow can be piled up for winter fun.
Query, as Agnes has said several times - only ONE rink feature-suggestion per post. Last warning.
hmmm... onsite daycare for kids of those skating; at a reasonable price, with staff that will occupy them productively and feed them ONLY healthy snacks.
Healthy snacks include dark chocolate covered almonds. Good for the heart.
Quote from: Isk8NYC on January 09, 2011, 10:40:27 PM
On behalf of skate@delaware, I submit a ice lighting system that can project patterns onto the ice for Moves, Dance, and Figures.
Cool idea
Quote from: drskater on January 11, 2011, 06:01:27 PM
Yes! I'll add a hot tub with full bar.
Can I add exercise facilities that parents can pay to use overlooking the rink so we can exercise AND watch our skaters too?
Quote from: FigureSpins on January 25, 2011, 05:29:38 PM
A quiet room with internet access, desk chairs and work tables so waiting parents can get work done or students can study/do homework.
Can we add a few reference books and school supplies to this? (Dictionary, Thesaurus, pens, pencils, sharperner, paper pads etc) for when we or they forget something we need to work?
Male dancers, figures skaters, pairs partners are treated as minor gods! (so we have more men in the place. Don't want it to become chick city!) Besides, I like skating with men. In my rink the more men the betters. Also, men should always be there to carry my skate bag and help me up when I fall.
I'm adding a comfortable reference library with figure skating videos, books, TV's and a computer linked to online skating sites.
Include satellite link ups in the library, plenty to go around so that one may use it for social/work/study purposes. That way I can do stuff all at the rink & be on hand to go skating, no driving involved except to go home...
A smaller studio rink with tinted ice specifically for doing figures.
...the rink at the college I used to work at (where I still coach occasionally) has a smaller rink where the ice is orange (school color). While done for school spirit, you can see your edges clear as day! When I was a kid, the ice was tinted slightly blue for that reason as well.
Good acoustics for teaching!
I don't want to hear echoes that interfere with understanding coaches, or hear voices aimed at other students. Sound should travel only along line of site.
A good deal of the problem is that some coaches don't realize that program music should be much softer than their voice, and acoustic engineering cannot solve that issue. (But there can be many small speakers spread above the rink area so the program music isn't too loud near one big speaker. Many rinks already do this.)
I further admit this increases construction cost, and that many sound absorbing materials are fragile, which might make the rink not usable by hockey players (high flying pucks might damage acoustic tile). That might be OK according to figure skaters, but would hurt the economics further.
Nonetheless, I love the idea.
A seperate pad for small children's learn to skate: smaller, with bright colours, familiar cartoon etc characters painted on the boards, kid's music suitable for skating playing in the background, LTS circuits painted on the ice, and spots where an adult can comfortably sit to tie little skates, plus, a glove warmer for when their little hands get sooo cold from falling on the ice or practicing getting up of the ice. Bathrooms easily accessible, with rubber on the floor so that they can get there without taking off their skates, and stalls big enough to accomodate a parent and child comfortably, and sinks sized to allow them to reach to wash their hands without anyone having to lift them up to reach.
To complete the acoustics issue, it must be OK to carry personal electronic devices.
This is so coaches and students can carry walkie-talkie headsets to communicate with each other across the rink, and students can carry their own program music with them.
Of course, the rule does not extend to loud devices that other skaters can hear!
(Some rinks outlaw electronic devices, because they worry that skaters who talk on cell phones and the like will run into other skaters. I don't have a solution to that problem, since someone already took away my SF ability to transport evil doers to the penalty box. As long as sessions aren't too crowded - and we've already suggestions here that sessions won't be over-crowded, I think such rules do more harm than good.)
Quote from: Sk8tmum on March 20, 2011, 10:08:54 AM
LTS circuits painted on the ice
If you mean what I think - that there are little swizzle patterns and slalom patterns and lines and many radii concentric circles, all of different colors for clarity, for skaters to follow, it's a cool idea. I wonder if anyone has tried that sort of thing in a rink dedicated to figure skating.
How about pictures on the wall explaining what is to be done at that point in the circuit? Say, a sequence of pictures showing someone swizzling? If we have unlimited money, they can be electronic pictures, so you can run different classes on the same circuit, and you can show video of people doing the desired skill.
well since we're going for broke... skate hire for those who have their own skates. All securely & personally stored, maintenance covered, blades dried etc and you don't have to drag your skates to & from the rink and ensure you have all the right conditions for them...
The rink should be open 24/7 so we can practice at whatever time of day we like!
Quote from: Jennymd on March 22, 2011, 06:34:04 AM
The rink should be open 24/7 so we can practice at whatever time of day we like!
I'm a night owl. I will totally be there at 1 am.
Since our rink is so awesome and huge, it's going to beat out other rinks in bidding for Worlds, Nationals and Olys, right? And all the skaters and coaches will get free tickets.
Rink will have a special section of the boards where there's no hockey glass, so they can take pictures of their dear little sweetums. Therefore, they won't be standing in the door.
I posted this in the rink rants thread by mistake :
We need some high-tech music setup where you can put a CD or MP3 player into the queue and have it played automatically, prioritize those on lesson or those who haven't yet gone, and limit the people who play their music six to eight times in a 45-minute lesson when there are others waiting.
While a volunteer can do the same thing, a cool rink would have a high-tech solution.
Coaches and rink guards will have the authority to put misbehaving kids into the hockey box for time out after three warnings.
This includes kids skating backwards and not looking where they're going.
An electronic wristband thing that all parents and children must wear when they enter the building. Child wears wristband, parent wears wristband. Prevents parents from leaving the building and having rink guards or other skaters acting as unknowing and unpaid babysitters. Allows for emergency paging of parents when they are needed to attend to their children. GPS embedded allows for tracking of children to identify if they are in "inappropriate areas".
Yes! Yes! to the electronic wristbands!! And they should be fastened like the security anti-shoplifting tags on clothes. So that the wearer cannot remove it and walk away from it. They also need to wear these during group lessons so we can find the parents to take the potty-dancing child to the restroom in the middle of class.
I am imagining a hole in the fish tank glass with the back end of a hockey player sticking out, and fish all over the ice.
Sprayers that hockey players must walk through before and after skating for that tremendous stench they so proudly wear.
A proper viewing room (or lounge) above the rink that is warm and comfy for parents to sit and watch and chat. Oh, and there is a full bar with full-time bartender. ;D
(This idea based on the rink when I was growing up).
Quote from: Sk8tmum on April 11, 2011, 03:49:06 PM
An electronic wristband thing that all parents and children must wear when they enter the building. Child wears wristband, parent wears wristband. Prevents parents from leaving the building and having rink guards or other skaters acting as unknowing and unpaid babysitters.
I don't see how this missed me, but this happened at my old rink. When the rink closed and there were left over kids, the cashier called the cops. Rink legend was the cops arrested the parents. Child abandonment or something.
Rink has to be helpful to public skaters (sport needs newbies):
1) Have great rental skates. Laces at the proper length, not buckled at the ankle, slightly sharpened, all rivets in tact.
2) A big sign that shows how to lace up one's skates. (How many times have I stopped to help newbies with rental skates NOT tied up right...)
3) A big warning that the center of the ice is for figure skating only.
4) Signs, information, and announcements that encourages the public skaters to take lessons. Pubilc ice should be a sales pitch.
5) Public sessions limited to 45 minutes. No beginner should skate for more then 45 minutes, period. If one can skate longer then that, then get on a hockey team or do freestyle. Use the additional time for such things.
Encourage male figure skaters and female hockey skaters.
All male hockey players get FREE figure skating power class each week, but must wear figure skates. Dance studios give free dance classes to boys, so why not the skating rink?
All female figure skaters can play in a yearly "flag/noncheck hockey" game, and must wear hockey skates. Come on, we've all wanted to try hockey skates and do a slap shot, but were too darn afraid.
A real "parent cave" for all the skating moms & dads. Big TVs, couches, wet bar, mini fridge, computer outlets, internet service, private exercise room . . .
Quote from: Neverdull44 on June 03, 2013, 08:47:10 PM
A real "parent cave" for all the skating moms & dads. Big TVs, couches, wet bar, mini fridge, computer outlets, internet service, private exercise room . . .
Masseuse
One masseuse? No, need a gaggle of message therapists with names like Hilda and Swen with big strong hands for moms, dads, skaters, and coaches.
Gatorade dispenser.
Quote from: deliapm on June 03, 2013, 09:43:20 PM
Gatorade dispenser.
Free champagne when you or your kid gets an axel.
Quote from: Neverdull44 on June 03, 2013, 08:38:09 PM
5) Public sessions limited to 45 minutes. No beginner should skate for more then 45 minutes, period. If one can skate longer then that, then get on a hockey team or do freestyle. Use the additional time for such things.
Public skaters don't show up at the start of the session. And they have to wait to rent their skates.
Quote from: Sk8tmum on April 11, 2011, 03:49:06 PM
An electronic wristband thing that all parents and children must wear when they enter the building. Child wears wristband, parent wears wristband. Prevents parents from leaving the building and having rink guards or other skaters acting as unknowing and unpaid babysitters. Allows for emergency paging of parents when they are needed to attend to their children. GPS embedded allows for tracking of children to identify if they are in "inappropriate areas".
Adult skaters need bracelets too. Otherwise they will be accused of breaking the wristband rule. Or trying to kidnap a child.
Actually this is a pretty creepy idea. How about telling parents they have to watch their children? Or offering paid babysitters (sometimes called Junior Coaches).
The poster said kids and parents would both wear wristbands, why would adult skaters without any kids present need them? The point is to match up parents and their kids, not to make a fashion statement.
Some Chuck E Cheese restaurants provide matching RFID-enabled wristbands for parents&kids attending parties at the rink, just to ensure that parents don't leave during the party and little ones don't wander outside looking for them. When it's time to leave the party place, the parent-and child(ren) present their wristbands at the exit. The attendant checks to make sure they match before cutting them off so they don't set off the alarm. The CECs that did this were in busy, high traffic shopping centers, ime.
You can tell parents whatever you want, but that doesn't stop some from leaving little kids unattended. Plus, mix ups do happen. I have three kids and I babysat my sister's kids a lot when I was a teenager. It's really easy to have a kid slip away in a crowded place, especially if you're caring for more than one at a time and they have similar colored clothing. Considering what I've seen happen at playgrounds, bracelets are a decent security net to keep everyone on the up-and-up discreetly. I think it's a technology solution to an age-old problem that's far riskier today than ever. I don't think a teenage babysitter is any better or worse. Kids can, and will, get away from supervision. Sometimes, it is a game, sometimes, its just an accident. Look away for 2 secs because one kid got hurt and the other can run off to a part of the rat maze where you can't see them. It happens.
Going with the original theme: Sometimes, little ones want to go skating, but their parents are often unable to skate themselves for a variety of reasons. At my imaginary rink, I would hire a few teenage "skate buddies" who would skate with little ones for a half-hour, not so much as a teacher, but more like a friend. Just holding hands, encouraging and helping them up if they fall. The requirements would be something like the Red Cross Babysitting certification course, just in case the child does get hurt. Beginners would have to wear helmets, gloves and pants.
Quote from: FigureSpins on June 04, 2013, 09:58:24 AM
The poster said kids and parents would both wear wristbands, why would adult skaters without any kids present need them?
I was implying that some people do not realize adults figure skate, so they would assume an adult without a wristband was breaking the rule, or worse. Also, they might think "If that person is not wearing a wrist band, I don't need to either."
Oh, I see. Chuck E Cheese doesn't have a lot of "Adult 1" parties, so I didn't understand your point. I thought you were implying that only parents were getting the wristbands and everyone else was a pedophile by default. Meh. Some rinks do that and have the skate guards check so require that all skaters wear wristbands so that no one can sneak on the ice without paying. The rink guards check for the wristbands.
Quote from: Isk8NYC on June 04, 2013, 06:00:11 PM
Oh, I see. Chuck E Cheese doesn't have a lot of "Adult 1" parties, so I didn't understand your point. I thought you were implying that only parents were getting the wristbands and everyone else was a pedophile by default. Meh. Some rinks do that and have the skate guards check so require that all skaters wear wristbands so that no one can sneak on the ice without paying. The rink guards check for the wristbands.
I've seen kids kicked out of the building for skating without the tags, but regulars seem to get a pass. At one rink the cashier gave me freebie when I realized I'd left my cash in the car and already had my boots on. The joys of being a regular and learning everyone's name.