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By John Darling For the Tidings January 09. 2015 6:12PM Are you glad the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink is here? Tabatha Albers, left, and Mia Albers of Weaverville, Calif., work on their skating skills at the Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink last Saturday. Daily Tidings / Jamie Lusch For nearby winter fun, there’s nothing quite like Ashland’s ice skating rink. It’s affordable, it’s out in nature by Lithia Park, it’s near to restaurants and pubs and it’s a magical place to go with the whole family. It also keeps up Ashland’s creds as the town that has at least one of everything. The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink, as it’s officially known, is open November through March and takes a certain amount of skill, gradually acquired over many visits, to stay on one’s feet and off one’s bum. Recreational skating is $5 with skate rental and there are varying times and prices, with some free skating. There’s an advanced skate with no kids to look out for. There’s also a tots-only time where you can feel safe training the wee ones. Games are on Friday night. There’s a “quiet ice” time for those with disabilities. There’s free hockey and team hockey.  All the times, prices and programs are at http://bit.ly/coaprir. Attendance last year pushed 13,000 with revenues of almost $90,000. The new cover on the rink cost $18,000. In general, entry is $4 — $3.50 for ages 5 through 13. Kids 4 and younger get in free. Asked of parents of skaters at a recent class field trip: What does the ice rink do for you? Are you glad Ashland has one? Have you learned to skate here? Is is a part of your family’s recreation in winter? Naphtali Riley — It’s a family ritual and we like it a lot. I love the out-of-doors. I skate and also bring my three children to skate. The kids get exercise, joy and it’s a self-esteem builder. I learned to skate here. We overcame our fears. I’m 44 and don’t want to fall. If I do, I want to get back up. The rink is a great community spot. You run into people you know, year after year and make new friends. Ashland wouldn’t feel the same without it. Heidi Carlson— It’s a great opportunity to get out and be active. We have third and eighth graders here on this field trip and they take care of each other. I like being active and hanging out with friends here. Most kids learned from roller skating. I think the rink is a wise investment because it creates the opportunity for a different kind of activity in winter. Heather Lee — The rink is great. I’m so glad it’s here. It’s beautiful and local, with a nice cover to let you skate if it’s raining. Love the hot chocolate here. It’s so fun skating and feeling like you are flying. It’s absolutely a wise investment. It fosters community and is good for families.  Leslie Fitzgerald — It’s great. The people who run it are good with kids. It gets kids out and moving and trying something new and fun. My son can skate around now without holding onto the wall. I like the out-of-doors. I like that it’s run by the community, the Parks and Rec, instead of a company. It’s a great investment for the city. It gets kids away from their screens and out in nature. The cover is a nice bonus if it’s rainy or too sunny. http://www.dailytidings.com/article/20150109/NEWS/150109846 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->