Brookings Figure Skating Club thanks city, asks for more ice time; parks staff to assess summer viability

Trish Mattsonboos, membership chair of the Brookings Figure Skating Club, told the City Council she appreciated the Park and Recreation Department's help launching the inaugural Brookings Skating Academy and said the volunteer-run club has outgrown current ice time.

She said the academy used professional coaches and an Ice Sports Industry program and that participant feedback was "overwhelmingly positive," with families praising organization, instruction and the welcoming environment. Mattsonboos said the club would like more year-round—particularly summer—ice time to offer camps and clinics but has not advertised summer programming because availability has not been confirmed.

Parks and recreation staff: Kristen, a parks and recreation staff member, told the council the department is conducting a facility assessment to determine whether the rink can reliably maintain ice through the summer. She said city ice facilities are not well insulated and summer heat can affect ice, and that staff planned a comprehensive assessment in the coming week or two.

Council response: Councilmember Specker asked whether year-round ice would address the club's needs; Mattsonboos said it would help and described interest in summer clinics and partnerships with youth organizations. Councilmembers thanked the club and volunteers for the program and encouraged continued collaboration with Parks and Recreation.

Next steps: Parks and Recreation will complete the facility assessment and report findings to the council, after which the club and staff can determine if and how to plan summer sessions and camps.