Chicagoans hit the skating rink on holiday weekend: 'It's just so fun'

Six-year-old Gael Oyata was eager to show off his new skating skills.

After three skating lessons, Gael was ready to glide along the ice at Midway Plaisance Ice Rink in Hyde Park on Friday, opening day for Chicago Park District outdoor rinks.

"I can skate a whole lap in less than a minute," he told a Chicago Sun-Times reporter. "It's just so fun."

His mom, Megan Sullivan, bundled in a long coat, joined him. The family lives in Hyde Park, close to the rink, and Sullivan said they've been looking forward to opening day since her son started lessons.

"Now we have something to do all winter that's free and outdoors," she said. "It's hard to find something affordable."

Most outdoor park district rinks, including Warren Park Ice Rink and Wentworth Ice Rink, opened Friday. The Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon opened on Nov. 16.

The openings of Mount Greenwood and McKinley Park rinks have been delayed.

Rinks around the city offer various programs throughout the season, which lasts through February. Open skate, senior skate, skating lessons and pick-up hockey are offered at many rinks. Skate rental is also available.

Between 30 and 40 people braved the cold a day after Thanksgiving feasts to partake in the seasonal fun at Midway Plaisance. Some skaters were rigid and timid with their movements, holding their arms out for balance. Others glided confidently, crossing one foot over another or skating backward.

Clad in puffy coats, scarves and hats, some skaters had snow stuck to their clothing, evidence of earlier falls.

Alexis Roberts, 9, spent the day breaking in her new skates. She learned to skate when she was 3 years old, and her older brother, a hockey player, has started teaching her some tricks.

"I really love skating," she said. "It's almost like a part of me."

Her dad, Mark Roberts, beamed beside her. He grew up skating and playing hockey and now expects the Hyde Park family will hit the Midway Plaisance rink at least 15 times throughout the season.

"It's a really easy, convenient way to get exercise and socialize," he said, calling the rink a "hub" for neighbors and friends to gather.

The two, like others at the rink, were enjoying the Friday off and coming off a big Thanksgiving dinner. Stuffing was the best thing on the menu, Alexis and her dad agreed.

Skating is one of the few activities that can be done outdoors in the winter, and Roberts and Sullivan both said it'll help their kids get through the winter blues.

"Money well spent," Roberts said about the city investing in outdoor rinks.