The Edge Ice Center, located at 1400 Hickman Ave in Owensboro, Kentucky, has become a popular source for family fun, especially during the cold winter months. Visitors are impressed with the $6.5 million facility and are greeted with a friendly staff and a fun atmosphere upon entering the front doors.
Ice skating is a recreational activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, together.
A Modern Upgrade to a Beloved Tradition
While an indoor ice arena was not new to Owensboro, the original Owensboro Ice Arena, built in 1963, had aged after years of operation. In 2009, the new Edge Ice Center opened its doors, and nearly 2,500 people came to the first three weeks of public skating. The previous Owensboro Ice Arena was not open year-round, something that sets apart this new facility.
A Hub for Hockey
The arena’s 200-by-85-foot rink is the regulation size of the National Hockey League. This, combined with the new facility and spectator area, has broadened the utilization of the ice arena. The Owensboro Youth Hockey Association houses nine divisions, including the Rampage High School Hockey team, who was named State Champion in 2011-2012, and the Owensboro Puckhogs Pee Wee Team, who was runner-up at the International Silver Stick competition in Canada. “The old rink just wasn’t up to standards,” said Clint Rowell, President of Owensboro Youth Hockey Association. Over 200 hockey players make up the local league, something that was not possible before the establishment of Edge.
Figure Skating Gains Momentum
Similarly, the Owensboro Figure Skating Club is now able to hold competitions at Edge, bringing 150 competitive skaters to Owensboro. “It’s just a nicer facility, which is a big draw for people out of town,” said Cindy Bowman, mother and a coordinator of the skating club.
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Edge Ice Center has become a source for family fun in Owensboro during the cold winter months.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
“We are making an economic impact,” Bodenheimer said. “We are paying back our community." Jared Bratcher is sports marketing director for the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau. He told the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer there were more than 50 tournaments in Owensboro, including figure skating, hockey, baseball, running, soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, fishing and football. In fact, there was some type of tournament in town every month, filling every hotel room in the city on 10 weekends.
Bodenheimer believes it is also important to give back to the community through group events. Bodenheimer says that she sees at least 60 percent of customers for the year between the months of November and January. And with events like Frozen at Edge and Skate with Santa, it is not hard to imagine why. Bodenheimer says, “Believe it or not, our busiest day is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Sunday night, with constant skaters on the ice. Get into the holiday spirit and skate with Santa!
Learn to Skate Program
The Edge Ice Center’s Learn to Skate program follows the guidelines set forth by the Ice Skating Institute of America (I.S.I.). Classes range from beginner to advanced, aiding development of fundamental skating maneuvers. All lesson participants are invited to participate in the annual Ice Skating Institute competition held at Edge. The I.S.I. All class times include 30 minutes of instruction, plus 30 minutes of practice ice time at the end of each class.
The practice time will benefit a child by enabling him/her to master new skills and progress at a faster rate. The Tots class is especially designed for children ages 3- 6 years old. The great thing about ice skating is that it is a recreational activity that can be enjoyed by all ages, together. Parents are welcome to learn with their children and make it a family event. Adult classes are also available. Classes are divided into groups according to ability and are limited on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Learn to Skate Program Levels
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Tots | Designed for children ages 3-6 |
| Beginner to Advanced | Classes range to aid development of fundamental skating maneuvers. |
| Adult Classes | Available for adults of all skill levels |
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