By Jackson Gianchetta
Ice skating may not be the first activity that comes to mind when thinking about things to do in Jacksonville but, at the Community First Igloo, you can do exactly that. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new skill or beat the heat in Jacksonville’s warmer months, public skates at the newly renovated facility are a fun experience many students may not be aware of.
Located on Phillips Highway off Interstate 95, the Igloo is easily accessible, located just 30 minutes from Ponte Vedra. The rink holds a two hour long public skate session daily. Information about specific timing can be found on the rink’s website, communityfirstigloo.com.
Once visitors arrive at the igloo, they must complete a short waiver in order to participate in any skating related activities. After this is complete, skaters must check in and pay the $15 entry fee at the front desk, located in the main lobby near the main entrance. This is also where rental skates can be purchased for a $5 fee. One mistake many make is selecting the wrong size skates. Hockey skate rentals should be about two sizes smaller than your regular shoe size while figure skate rentals run about a half size down. The general rule of thumb when determining skate fit is that properly fitting skates should feel snug, with minimal heel or ankle movement after the laces are fully tied.
“Most students at Ponte Vedra High School probably aren’t waking up going ‘it’s great day to go for a skate’ but it truly is an enjoyable experience.”
emaad rahmatullah (12)
One common complaint about public skates at the Igloo is the large crowd size these events may draw. The rink does not limit capacity on open skates, so skating may be difficult at peak times. Beginners may benefit from skating on less popular days, such as weekends or early mornings.
Opening just last year, the Igloo sits on the site of the old Jacksonville Ice Arena. The space was bought out by the Jacksonville Icemen, a minor-league hockey team, to serve as their practice facility. Featuring two sheets of ice, a restaurant, and a state-of-the-art e-sports facility, the rink’s top of the line amenities make for a phenomenal skating experience.
While ice skating may not be perceived as a conventional pastime within Jacksonville, a visit to the Community First Igloo confirms it’s an experience well worth it. A senior, Emaad Rahmatullah puts it “Most students at Ponte Vedra High School probably aren’t waking up going ‘it’s great day to go for a skate’ but it truly is an enjoyable experience.”
Pictured: People ice skating at the indoor ice skating rink
