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Local ice rinks and skating activities

Stay active all winter at these local rinks near JBLM

Enjoy the winter season at one of the many ice-skating rinks in the area! Photo credit: Pexels

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Here in Washington state we're able to enjoy all the seasons throughout the year, so it's no wonder Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) is one of the most requested duty stations in the U.S. Maybe you're coming from a warmer climate, like Hawaii or Arizona, or maybe you've dug yourself out of the snow to make your way here from Fort Drum. Whether you've been missing out on winter activities or winter is your favorite season, you'll be happy to hear that ice skating will be easy to come by this winter while you're stationed here.

Ask any local where to go ice skating and they'll all respond the same: Sprinker Recreation Center. Located in Spanaway, this ice rink is one of the best in the county. Sprinker offers many opportunities for ice skating, as well as other family activities all year long. Families can skate together during the center's Public Skate most days of the week. Admission starts at $7.50, plus skate rentals for $3.50. Or, search out their Cheap Skate sessions for only $7 total.

If you're a beginner skater looking for lessons, the center offers a Learn to Skate program, as well as more advanced and competitive figure skating programs. You can also sign up for youth and adult hockey programs, or just jump in now and then during their drop-in hockey games. The fun doesn't stop there. This year, Sprinker added a new activity to the list: Ice Bumper Cars. For $12 per person, riders can play on the ice for 15 minutes Friday through Sunday. Riders who are older than 3 years old but under 42 inches tall can ride with their paying adult for free. For $19, you can upgrade your ticket to include a skating session with skate rental. The center recommends calling and reserving tickets in advance. For more information on schedules, visit: co.pierce.wa.us/1310/Sprinker-Recreation-Center. 14824 C St., Tacoma, 253.798.4000

Tacoma Twin Rinks is home to the Puget Sound Amateur Icesports Association, operating the Tacoma Junior Hockey Association and Rainier Hockey League; Tacoma Figure Skating Club; and the Puget Sound Speed Skating Club. Renovations for new facilities began back in 2017, and they plan to offer open skate and other family friendly activities in early 2020. For now, they offer skating lessons for all skill levels, hockey programs for all ages and skill levels, speed skating, figure skating and curling. Stay up to date as their renovations are completed and they open their beautiful new facilities to the public. For more information on class schedules and pricing, visit: tacomatwinrinks.com. 2645 South 80th St., Tacoma, 253.272.7825

There are also some temporary outdoor skating rinks set up for the holiday season to check out. At Point Ruston in Tacoma, the Chi Frozen Fountain Ice Rink will offer open skating until Jan. 5. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. Admission for military with ID is $13, which covers your session and skate rental. Visit pointruston.com for more information.

Traditional favorite, Oly on Ice, is located at Isthmus Park in Downtown Olympia and will have open skating until Jan. 20. Military with ID pay $10 for session and rental. For hours, visit: olympiawa.gov.

The opportunity to put on some skates and fall in love with the sport can easily blossom into a year-round activity. Classes and programs are offered throughout the summer at many facilities.

If the tradition of ice skating has always intrigued you, or if you're a skating pro, then be sure to check out one of the many ice-skating facilities available around JBLM.

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