Press and News Releases about The Ice Ridge
We are still looking for a new location. Watch this page for further announcements.
_________________________________________________
The Ice Ridge Skaters "Freeze" their competition at The Iowa Summer Games
The Ice Ridge Skaters, Susanna Kritzler, Alina Barkley, Neha Bhaguava, Riley Harris, Caelan Shuylack, Megan Donahoo, and Chloe Evert; as well as sister club skaters Gary Chen, Grace Massier, and Valerie Carmichael, all did a fantastic job at The Iowa Summer Games on July 26th.
Check out our Youtube video here: http://youtu.be/AsDF-Dbpi5g
Check out the feature story about The Ice Ridge and our Olympic party on
WHO TV 13 here: http://whotv.com/2014/02/06/olympic-spirit-party-to-support-team-usa/
Check out this link if you want to hear an interview on Iowa Public Radio about our skating facility and how to get started in the sport of figure skating!
http://iowapublicradio.org/post/making-best-icy-winter
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The Ice Ridge
Business Review. As seen on the Eat, Play, Love, Des Moines website
http://www.eatplaylovedesmoines.com/2014/01/the-ice-ridge.html
A few weeks ago a few of my friends posted some photos of their family's ice skating
in Des Moines at The Ice Ridge. It looked like they were having a blast
and then I noticed they didn't have coats or mittens on! Whatever they
were skating on, wasn't ice, but they were wearing real ice skates and skating
around this rink. I had to find out what this was all about!
So, I took a trip over to the Southridge Mall today to check it out. What a cool place! I was
greeted by Owner/Operator Burton who so nice and was excited to show me the
"ice" which is really a synthetic material much like a cutting board that you
skate on. There are chairs all around the rink for spectators and lots of
high chairs to hold on to for learners.
The Ice Ridge offers classes and well as public open skating times and even birthday parties and special
events! Check out of the offerings and times at their website here.
Admission for public skating will run you $5 and skate rental is $3.50. You can also purchase
punch cards for discounted admission.
Very exciting to have something like this in Des Moines where you can skate year-round!
Take your kiddos out (or your adult friends) and support this cool place!
To the right is the weekly schedule and prices, but you can see this info better on
the website as well. They also have a Facebook page you can follow for special events and
announcements.
We are still looking for a new location. Watch this page for further announcements.
_________________________________________________
The Ice Ridge Skaters "Freeze" their competition at The Iowa Summer Games
The Ice Ridge Skaters, Susanna Kritzler, Alina Barkley, Neha Bhaguava, Riley Harris, Caelan Shuylack, Megan Donahoo, and Chloe Evert; as well as sister club skaters Gary Chen, Grace Massier, and Valerie Carmichael, all did a fantastic job at The Iowa Summer Games on July 26th.
Check out our Youtube video here: http://youtu.be/AsDF-Dbpi5g
Check out the feature story about The Ice Ridge and our Olympic party on
WHO TV 13 here: http://whotv.com/2014/02/06/olympic-spirit-party-to-support-team-usa/
Check out this link if you want to hear an interview on Iowa Public Radio about our skating facility and how to get started in the sport of figure skating!
http://iowapublicradio.org/post/making-best-icy-winter
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
The Ice Ridge
Business Review. As seen on the Eat, Play, Love, Des Moines website
http://www.eatplaylovedesmoines.com/2014/01/the-ice-ridge.html
A few weeks ago a few of my friends posted some photos of their family's ice skating
in Des Moines at The Ice Ridge. It looked like they were having a blast
and then I noticed they didn't have coats or mittens on! Whatever they
were skating on, wasn't ice, but they were wearing real ice skates and skating
around this rink. I had to find out what this was all about!
So, I took a trip over to the Southridge Mall today to check it out. What a cool place! I was
greeted by Owner/Operator Burton who so nice and was excited to show me the
"ice" which is really a synthetic material much like a cutting board that you
skate on. There are chairs all around the rink for spectators and lots of
high chairs to hold on to for learners.
The Ice Ridge offers classes and well as public open skating times and even birthday parties and special
events! Check out of the offerings and times at their website here.
Admission for public skating will run you $5 and skate rental is $3.50. You can also purchase
punch cards for discounted admission.
Very exciting to have something like this in Des Moines where you can skate year-round!
Take your kiddos out (or your adult friends) and support this cool place!
To the right is the weekly schedule and prices, but you can see this info better on
the website as well. They also have a Facebook page you can follow for special events and
announcements.
The Ice Ridge Shows Growing Interest for Young Skaters!
Des Moines, IA
Press Release
Jan 16, 2014
For adult skaters, a large ice rink conjures up images of the
endless frozen rivers and lakes of memory -- or a quick route to exhaustion.
For little kids, it's usually the latter. After five or six strides,
they're tired. For young hockey players, after five or six strides, the puck
remains far away, and they're tired and frustrated. And maybe want to go home.
"So we decided to come up with a concept that the kids wouldn't find intimidating, where they could learn,
of course, but mostly where figure skating, recreational skating, learn to skate
and learn to play hockey could be fun, even for little kids," said Burton
Powley, owner of The Ice Ridge, a small synthetic rink about two- thirds
regulation size located inside the West End Shops of Southridge Mall.
Located inside the Southridge Mall, The Ice ridge offers public skating 7 days a
week, learn to skate classes, learn to play hockey (specializing in 3-on-3
formats) on a scaled-down revolutionary, eco-friendly synthetic ice surface.
Kids, particularly those under age 10, can put on skates, and have a real
ice skating experience, without feeling the cold and wet of a traditional ice
rink. "With our programs, the kids learn to skate much easier and
safer. It also helps that because the rink is smaller, class sizes are too.
Not all those who skate at The Ice Ridge are beginners. There are also
competitive figure skaters and the grownups that don't seem to mind the smaller
ice surface either. "You get a great workout. It's really about all you
need," said Powley. Powley is still actively competing in national and
international events, but doesn't mind a down-sized ice surface.
"Families like it for birthday parties and the public sessions, especially with fewer places
for public skating," said Powley. "And it's like real ice only slightly slower,
which makes you a stronger skater”.
Powley said part of the inspiration for
The Ice Ridge came from his own experience as a com-petitive skating coach.
"I’ve seen kids at other learn-to- skate programs and there must have been 80
kids out there," he recalled. "The big ice, the crowds, well that can be pretty
intimidat-ing for a little kid." “Not to mention the cold and weather related
issues at an outdoor rink”.
Even with a smaller synthetic rink, not only are the young skaters more comfortable,
"but it's al-so easier to hear and speak, so both the kids and instructors have better communication.
Even the parents are comfortable watching rink side in our seating area," Powley noted.
Josette Barkely is a believer, because, her daughter Alina has fun, pure and
simple. And at age 6, that's what it should all be about, said Barkely. "This is
a great idea," she said. "The kids get good coaching and they're not shuffled
around in a huge crowd." “The coach (Powley) really knows what kids like and
dislike about learning to skate”.
Another parent, Laura Donahoo, said her daughter, Megan, 9, finds just what she
needs on the smaller surface. "My daughter learns figure skating and she loves it," Donahoo said.
"I really think it's great the way they've targeted this younger age group.
"The kids get more one-on-one instruction and it's a very safe environment," she added.
Powley noted that keeping it fun is what his programs are all about, keeping
youngsters interested and involved. "The worst thing you want to see is for a
kid to have their first ice experience to be a bad one," he said
Somehow, at a revitalized Southridge Mall, they keep coming back for more. The Southridge
Mall management is very happy with the foot traffic generated by the new skating
rink. Shop-pers now have another good reason to visit the Southridge Mall.
The Ice Ridge is located at 1111 East Army Post Road, mall entrance behind the Target store.
Among the programs offered are learn to skate, birthday parties, learn to play hockey and
figure skating instruction, as well as public skating 7 days a week.
For more information contact Burton Powley, owner
of The Ice Ridge. 515-371-8666 or 515-829-1694 or go online to www.theiceridge.com
Des Moines, IA
Press Release
Jan 16, 2014
For adult skaters, a large ice rink conjures up images of the
endless frozen rivers and lakes of memory -- or a quick route to exhaustion.
For little kids, it's usually the latter. After five or six strides,
they're tired. For young hockey players, after five or six strides, the puck
remains far away, and they're tired and frustrated. And maybe want to go home.
"So we decided to come up with a concept that the kids wouldn't find intimidating, where they could learn,
of course, but mostly where figure skating, recreational skating, learn to skate
and learn to play hockey could be fun, even for little kids," said Burton
Powley, owner of The Ice Ridge, a small synthetic rink about two- thirds
regulation size located inside the West End Shops of Southridge Mall.
Located inside the Southridge Mall, The Ice ridge offers public skating 7 days a
week, learn to skate classes, learn to play hockey (specializing in 3-on-3
formats) on a scaled-down revolutionary, eco-friendly synthetic ice surface.
Kids, particularly those under age 10, can put on skates, and have a real
ice skating experience, without feeling the cold and wet of a traditional ice
rink. "With our programs, the kids learn to skate much easier and
safer. It also helps that because the rink is smaller, class sizes are too.
Not all those who skate at The Ice Ridge are beginners. There are also
competitive figure skaters and the grownups that don't seem to mind the smaller
ice surface either. "You get a great workout. It's really about all you
need," said Powley. Powley is still actively competing in national and
international events, but doesn't mind a down-sized ice surface.
"Families like it for birthday parties and the public sessions, especially with fewer places
for public skating," said Powley. "And it's like real ice only slightly slower,
which makes you a stronger skater”.
Powley said part of the inspiration for
The Ice Ridge came from his own experience as a com-petitive skating coach.
"I’ve seen kids at other learn-to- skate programs and there must have been 80
kids out there," he recalled. "The big ice, the crowds, well that can be pretty
intimidat-ing for a little kid." “Not to mention the cold and weather related
issues at an outdoor rink”.
Even with a smaller synthetic rink, not only are the young skaters more comfortable,
"but it's al-so easier to hear and speak, so both the kids and instructors have better communication.
Even the parents are comfortable watching rink side in our seating area," Powley noted.
Josette Barkely is a believer, because, her daughter Alina has fun, pure and
simple. And at age 6, that's what it should all be about, said Barkely. "This is
a great idea," she said. "The kids get good coaching and they're not shuffled
around in a huge crowd." “The coach (Powley) really knows what kids like and
dislike about learning to skate”.
Another parent, Laura Donahoo, said her daughter, Megan, 9, finds just what she
needs on the smaller surface. "My daughter learns figure skating and she loves it," Donahoo said.
"I really think it's great the way they've targeted this younger age group.
"The kids get more one-on-one instruction and it's a very safe environment," she added.
Powley noted that keeping it fun is what his programs are all about, keeping
youngsters interested and involved. "The worst thing you want to see is for a
kid to have their first ice experience to be a bad one," he said
Somehow, at a revitalized Southridge Mall, they keep coming back for more. The Southridge
Mall management is very happy with the foot traffic generated by the new skating
rink. Shop-pers now have another good reason to visit the Southridge Mall.
The Ice Ridge is located at 1111 East Army Post Road, mall entrance behind the Target store.
Among the programs offered are learn to skate, birthday parties, learn to play hockey and
figure skating instruction, as well as public skating 7 days a week.
For more information contact Burton Powley, owner
of The Ice Ridge. 515-371-8666 or 515-829-1694 or go online to www.theiceridge.com
As seen in DM Living Magazine
BURTON POWLEY: CHAMPIONING THE ICE FOR ALL.
THE ICE RIDGE IN DES MOINES’ SOUTHRIDGE MALL.
As Burton Powley glides across the ice on his skates, he leaves a smooth, crisp line of national and international achievement. But as the champion skater continues to compete for himself, he’s also working just as hard to groom the ice for the next generation of skaters yet to come with a Central Iowa facility for all to enjoy.
Welcome to The Ice Ridge, an ambitious training facility, theatre and public skating venue located in Des Moines’ Southridge Mall. It’s all part of Powley’s efforts to rebuild the Capitol Ice Academy skating club.
AT HOME ON THE ICE.
Powley is a Des Moines native and Lincoln High School alum who went on to Grand View University and New South Wales University in Sydney, Australia. The man who started on roller skates as a child before moving to the ice has turned his lifelong love of skating into worldwide acclaim — and championships.
In fact, Powley has earned 12 Gold-medal finishes at the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships since 1999, along with two Gold medals at the 2006 Mountain Cup of France, the Gold medal at the 2005 ISU World Adult Figure Skating Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, a Silver medal in 2006, six Golds at the 2006 ISI World Team
Championships in Boston, and two Gold medals at the 2006 World Games in Montreal.
BUILDING MORE TIME.
Part of Powley’s passion and motivation for building and operating The Ice Ridge at Southridge Mall comes down to time. While Powley points to the quality rinks and facilities in Des Moines, time on the ice comes at a premium.
“Hockey is a popular sport in the metro that involves a lot of ice time dedicated to different age groups and teams around town. So ice time for individual skaters and enthusiasts at these facilities can be hard to come by, unless
you want to get up and start skating at 5 a.m. With our facility, we’re making it easier for young people who want to learn and compete to start their days off at home, go to school, come home and get dinner and then come out for an evening practice.”
The Ice Ridge isn’t just for the next generation of competitive skaters. In fact, it offers plenty of ice time and activities for everyone. The facility, located in the northwest area of Southridge Mall, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair for $3. Ice time is $5 per person.
“It’s important for me to give back to the community,” Powley says. “So we take pride in hosting fundraising activities for hospitals and we even put on some professional ice shows, too.”
THE EXPERIENCE: DEFINITELY COOL. SURPRISINGLY WARM.
Open year-round, the Ice Ridge rink uses a synthetic ice surface called Super Glide that won’t give you the chills on a cold winter night.
“That’s one of the things people love about the Ice Ridge,” Powley says. “The rink is created out of seamless polymer panels that come together sort of like puzzle pieces. The surface is 90 percent as slippery as ice, but not as cold. So there’s no need to bundle up when you come to skate or watch. And you don’t get cold and wet if you fall down.
With more than 1,500 square feet of surface, the Ice Ridge can accommodate about 100 skaters. Powley says the surface offers an attractive option for parents and grandparents who want to share a new experience with children, without having to skate themselves.
“We have shoe covers sort of like what hospital staff workers wear. This allows folks to confidently walk on the surface and enjoy the experience with other family members who may be out there skating at the same time,” he explains.
“It’s just a great way for people of all ages to try it out.”
PASSING ON HIS PASSION.
In addition to the Ice Ridge, Powley also operates a skating school in Coral Ridge Mall, near Coralville. He definitely stays busy operating the two rinks, supporting students at competitions and pursuing his own craft.
Beyond the Ice Ridge’s open skate times, Powley offers private lessons to those who want to hone their competitive edge. In fact, don’t be surprised if you find Powley working on his next competitive routine himself there.
“I still plan on competing and encouraging others who want to work toward their dreams,” Powley smiles.” There’s no reason why we can’t have more successful competitors from Iowa.”
True words from the hometown champ who continues to champion the sport.
##
The Ice Ridge
Southridge Mall
1111 East Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-371-8666
www.theiceridge.com
BURTON POWLEY: CHAMPIONING THE ICE FOR ALL.
THE ICE RIDGE IN DES MOINES’ SOUTHRIDGE MALL.
As Burton Powley glides across the ice on his skates, he leaves a smooth, crisp line of national and international achievement. But as the champion skater continues to compete for himself, he’s also working just as hard to groom the ice for the next generation of skaters yet to come with a Central Iowa facility for all to enjoy.
Welcome to The Ice Ridge, an ambitious training facility, theatre and public skating venue located in Des Moines’ Southridge Mall. It’s all part of Powley’s efforts to rebuild the Capitol Ice Academy skating club.
AT HOME ON THE ICE.
Powley is a Des Moines native and Lincoln High School alum who went on to Grand View University and New South Wales University in Sydney, Australia. The man who started on roller skates as a child before moving to the ice has turned his lifelong love of skating into worldwide acclaim — and championships.
In fact, Powley has earned 12 Gold-medal finishes at the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships since 1999, along with two Gold medals at the 2006 Mountain Cup of France, the Gold medal at the 2005 ISU World Adult Figure Skating Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, a Silver medal in 2006, six Golds at the 2006 ISI World Team
Championships in Boston, and two Gold medals at the 2006 World Games in Montreal.
BUILDING MORE TIME.
Part of Powley’s passion and motivation for building and operating The Ice Ridge at Southridge Mall comes down to time. While Powley points to the quality rinks and facilities in Des Moines, time on the ice comes at a premium.
“Hockey is a popular sport in the metro that involves a lot of ice time dedicated to different age groups and teams around town. So ice time for individual skaters and enthusiasts at these facilities can be hard to come by, unless
you want to get up and start skating at 5 a.m. With our facility, we’re making it easier for young people who want to learn and compete to start their days off at home, go to school, come home and get dinner and then come out for an evening practice.”
The Ice Ridge isn’t just for the next generation of competitive skaters. In fact, it offers plenty of ice time and activities for everyone. The facility, located in the northwest area of Southridge Mall, is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair for $3. Ice time is $5 per person.
“It’s important for me to give back to the community,” Powley says. “So we take pride in hosting fundraising activities for hospitals and we even put on some professional ice shows, too.”
THE EXPERIENCE: DEFINITELY COOL. SURPRISINGLY WARM.
Open year-round, the Ice Ridge rink uses a synthetic ice surface called Super Glide that won’t give you the chills on a cold winter night.
“That’s one of the things people love about the Ice Ridge,” Powley says. “The rink is created out of seamless polymer panels that come together sort of like puzzle pieces. The surface is 90 percent as slippery as ice, but not as cold. So there’s no need to bundle up when you come to skate or watch. And you don’t get cold and wet if you fall down.
With more than 1,500 square feet of surface, the Ice Ridge can accommodate about 100 skaters. Powley says the surface offers an attractive option for parents and grandparents who want to share a new experience with children, without having to skate themselves.
“We have shoe covers sort of like what hospital staff workers wear. This allows folks to confidently walk on the surface and enjoy the experience with other family members who may be out there skating at the same time,” he explains.
“It’s just a great way for people of all ages to try it out.”
PASSING ON HIS PASSION.
In addition to the Ice Ridge, Powley also operates a skating school in Coral Ridge Mall, near Coralville. He definitely stays busy operating the two rinks, supporting students at competitions and pursuing his own craft.
Beyond the Ice Ridge’s open skate times, Powley offers private lessons to those who want to hone their competitive edge. In fact, don’t be surprised if you find Powley working on his next competitive routine himself there.
“I still plan on competing and encouraging others who want to work toward their dreams,” Powley smiles.” There’s no reason why we can’t have more successful competitors from Iowa.”
True words from the hometown champ who continues to champion the sport.
##
The Ice Ridge
Southridge Mall
1111 East Army Post Road
Des Moines, IA 50315
515-371-8666
www.theiceridge.com
PRESS RELEASE – October 9, 2013
Des Moines, IA
Wondering where one of the best adult male figure skaters in the world resides?
You have to look at Southridge Mall – West End Shops in Des Moines, Iowa. This is where Burton Powley is striving to re-invent the figure skating scene in Iowa.
Powley is focusing his efforts on rebuilding the Capitol Ice Academy by operating a training facility, public skating and theatre venue at Southridge Mall, called The Ice Ridge.
About Burton-
Burton Powley, from Des Moines, IA,
has collected an impressive set of victories including;
12 – Gold medal finishes at US Adult Figure Skating Championships since 1999, 2 Gold at the 2006 Mountain Cup of France, Silver at the 2006 ISU World Adult Figure Skating Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany; 6 Gold at the 2006 ISI World Team Championships in Boston,
and 2 Gold at the 2006 World Games in Montreal, Canada.
Having never been in the Olympics is the only event that has eluded him. But Powley has established himself as one of the best adult masters level skaters in the world.
But also just as important, is his volunteer work helping important causes like Cancer Awareness, Children’s Hospitals, and coaching up and coming young figure skaters.
His travels have taken him away from home for many weeks this year, coaching, competing in competitions, making personal appearances, benefit shows, exhibitions, and fundraisers all over the world.
Powley will now try to turn his attention much closer to home, mentoring and coaching figure skates in Central Iowa and continuing his outreach and fundraising efforts for the Hawkeye Skating Club in Coralville, IA; the Capitol Ice Academy (CIA) a local non-profit figure skating club in Iowa he help to establish in 1999; and The Ice Ridge Skating Academy in Des Moines’ Southridge Mall.
The synthetic ice rink material at The Ice Ridge, called “Super Glide” is easy for figure skating and recreational skating; which benefits children, families and adults that want to try the sport and see if they can take it to the next level.
Powley wants to show that Iowa can indeed produce champion figure skaters and professional show skaters, as he has well proven.Given the opportunity and chance to participate in the sport at any age or any skill level is his goal for his students. And keep it fun!
“We have had a very difficult time over the last 7 years securing ice times and funds for our community programs. So
this is why I opened The Ice Ridge. Our group is still growing and working very hard towards their mission statement and making a difference in their community. I have run into many roadblocks along the way, but I am very persistent. I would like to remain in Des Moines, because it is my home, but you can only beat your head against the wall for so long before you think maybe I would be better appreciated somewhere else. I don’t want to be just another Iowan who found success and then left,” Powley said.
So he is now operating his skating academy, The Ice Ridge, at Southridge Mall in Des Moines with his sister Cynthia Powley, who manages the rink. Cynthia is a great communicator and loves to help children.
“We hope to see a major change in the way businesses, the community and the key players in Des Moines treat figure skaters and show skaters. Hockey seems to get all the attention and dominates all the ice time, media attention, and no local sponsorships exist for aspiring young figure skaters or show skaters in Des Moines”, Powley said.
“What is needed is a grassroots outreach effort to continue on the work of The Ice Ridge and the Capitol Ice Academy, which has already produced over 65 World Recreational Figure Skating Champions since 1999, as well as a host of State, National, and World Team Champions; and countless exhibitions and theatrical events for those who enjoy watching the sport and participating for fun and fitness, on a very small budget,” he said.
Being somewhat of a pied-piper with children, Powley knows what they like and dislike about skating and can certainly produce champion and show skaters, given the proper opportunity to do so.
“I have had to start over so many times and re-invent myself that it seems like second nature,” he said.“ "I only wish I didn’t have to beg to for opportunities for my students and skaters. I have a lot of pride and it doesn’t feel good for you to always have your hand out. What my skaters need is a hand-up, not a hand-out," he said.
The seasonal nature of the Brenton Ice Skating Plaza in downtown Des Moines and continual changes in management and downtime at the Metro Ice Sports Facility in Urbandale have proved to be a challenge for aspiring figure skaters and recreational skaters, but Powley will continue to refocus his at Southridge Mall.
He will remain optimistic about the future of the sport in Central Iowa.
Burton Powley is available for coaching, choreography, personal appearances, as guest speaker, or for shows and exhibitions. He is now accepting new students!
You can find out more information about Burton at: www.theiceridge.com or call 515-371-8666.
Des Moines, IA
Wondering where one of the best adult male figure skaters in the world resides?
You have to look at Southridge Mall – West End Shops in Des Moines, Iowa. This is where Burton Powley is striving to re-invent the figure skating scene in Iowa.
Powley is focusing his efforts on rebuilding the Capitol Ice Academy by operating a training facility, public skating and theatre venue at Southridge Mall, called The Ice Ridge.
About Burton-
Burton Powley, from Des Moines, IA,
has collected an impressive set of victories including;
12 – Gold medal finishes at US Adult Figure Skating Championships since 1999, 2 Gold at the 2006 Mountain Cup of France, Silver at the 2006 ISU World Adult Figure Skating Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany; 6 Gold at the 2006 ISI World Team Championships in Boston,
and 2 Gold at the 2006 World Games in Montreal, Canada.
Having never been in the Olympics is the only event that has eluded him. But Powley has established himself as one of the best adult masters level skaters in the world.
But also just as important, is his volunteer work helping important causes like Cancer Awareness, Children’s Hospitals, and coaching up and coming young figure skaters.
His travels have taken him away from home for many weeks this year, coaching, competing in competitions, making personal appearances, benefit shows, exhibitions, and fundraisers all over the world.
Powley will now try to turn his attention much closer to home, mentoring and coaching figure skates in Central Iowa and continuing his outreach and fundraising efforts for the Hawkeye Skating Club in Coralville, IA; the Capitol Ice Academy (CIA) a local non-profit figure skating club in Iowa he help to establish in 1999; and The Ice Ridge Skating Academy in Des Moines’ Southridge Mall.
The synthetic ice rink material at The Ice Ridge, called “Super Glide” is easy for figure skating and recreational skating; which benefits children, families and adults that want to try the sport and see if they can take it to the next level.
Powley wants to show that Iowa can indeed produce champion figure skaters and professional show skaters, as he has well proven.Given the opportunity and chance to participate in the sport at any age or any skill level is his goal for his students. And keep it fun!
“We have had a very difficult time over the last 7 years securing ice times and funds for our community programs. So
this is why I opened The Ice Ridge. Our group is still growing and working very hard towards their mission statement and making a difference in their community. I have run into many roadblocks along the way, but I am very persistent. I would like to remain in Des Moines, because it is my home, but you can only beat your head against the wall for so long before you think maybe I would be better appreciated somewhere else. I don’t want to be just another Iowan who found success and then left,” Powley said.
So he is now operating his skating academy, The Ice Ridge, at Southridge Mall in Des Moines with his sister Cynthia Powley, who manages the rink. Cynthia is a great communicator and loves to help children.
“We hope to see a major change in the way businesses, the community and the key players in Des Moines treat figure skaters and show skaters. Hockey seems to get all the attention and dominates all the ice time, media attention, and no local sponsorships exist for aspiring young figure skaters or show skaters in Des Moines”, Powley said.
“What is needed is a grassroots outreach effort to continue on the work of The Ice Ridge and the Capitol Ice Academy, which has already produced over 65 World Recreational Figure Skating Champions since 1999, as well as a host of State, National, and World Team Champions; and countless exhibitions and theatrical events for those who enjoy watching the sport and participating for fun and fitness, on a very small budget,” he said.
Being somewhat of a pied-piper with children, Powley knows what they like and dislike about skating and can certainly produce champion and show skaters, given the proper opportunity to do so.
“I have had to start over so many times and re-invent myself that it seems like second nature,” he said.“ "I only wish I didn’t have to beg to for opportunities for my students and skaters. I have a lot of pride and it doesn’t feel good for you to always have your hand out. What my skaters need is a hand-up, not a hand-out," he said.
The seasonal nature of the Brenton Ice Skating Plaza in downtown Des Moines and continual changes in management and downtime at the Metro Ice Sports Facility in Urbandale have proved to be a challenge for aspiring figure skaters and recreational skaters, but Powley will continue to refocus his at Southridge Mall.
He will remain optimistic about the future of the sport in Central Iowa.
Burton Powley is available for coaching, choreography, personal appearances, as guest speaker, or for shows and exhibitions. He is now accepting new students!
You can find out more information about Burton at: www.theiceridge.com or call 515-371-8666.
As seen on KCCI TV8 in Des Moines Aug 23, 2013
http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/its-ice-skating-without-the-ice/-/9357080/21625802/-/hc4tvhz/-/index.html
Thanks to news anchor Amanda Lewis for helping spread the word about The Ice Ridge!!
____________________________________________________________________________
http://www.kcci.com/news/central-iowa/its-ice-skating-without-the-ice/-/9357080/21625802/-/hc4tvhz/-/index.html
Thanks to news anchor Amanda Lewis for helping spread the word about The Ice Ridge!!
____________________________________________________________________________
As seen in the Des Moines Register Aug 16, 2013
Shopping Scene: DMACC classes to start at Southridge
The Ice Ridge expects increased business...
About 3,000 potential shoppers will come to Southridge Mall beginning next
week when Des Moines Area Community College opens its $12 million Center for
Career and Professional Development.
DMACC officials anticipate about 3,000 students taking first-semester classes
at the new center.
Classes start Aug. 22 in the new space, which is in the renovated wing where
J.C. Penney used to reside before it closed more than two years ago.
Southridge’s owner, Macerich Properties of Santa Monica, Calif., has been
renovating the entire mall since last fall, transforming it into a mixed-use
center that combines retail, education and recreation space.
Southridge, at the corner of East Army Post Road and Southeast 14th Street in
Des Moines, has attracted new mall tenants, including Rue21, GNC, Shoe Carnival,
Marshalls, Sprint, the Ice Ridge synthetic ice-skating rink, and the Ridge
Sports Academy indoor training and practice facility, which joined mall anchors
Sears, Younkers and Target. The mall also has a variety of other businesses and
nonprofits, including the Animal Rescue League, a martial arts studio, a church
and specialty clothing shops.
Shopping Scene: DMACC classes to start at Southridge
The Ice Ridge expects increased business...
About 3,000 potential shoppers will come to Southridge Mall beginning next
week when Des Moines Area Community College opens its $12 million Center for
Career and Professional Development.
DMACC officials anticipate about 3,000 students taking first-semester classes
at the new center.
Classes start Aug. 22 in the new space, which is in the renovated wing where
J.C. Penney used to reside before it closed more than two years ago.
Southridge’s owner, Macerich Properties of Santa Monica, Calif., has been
renovating the entire mall since last fall, transforming it into a mixed-use
center that combines retail, education and recreation space.
Southridge, at the corner of East Army Post Road and Southeast 14th Street in
Des Moines, has attracted new mall tenants, including Rue21, GNC, Shoe Carnival,
Marshalls, Sprint, the Ice Ridge synthetic ice-skating rink, and the Ridge
Sports Academy indoor training and practice facility, which joined mall anchors
Sears, Younkers and Target. The mall also has a variety of other businesses and
nonprofits, including the Animal Rescue League, a martial arts studio, a church
and specialty clothing shops.
As Seen in the Des Moines Register Business Section - April 3, 2013
Year-round ice rink coming to Southridge Mall
A year-round synthetic ice rink that is expected to open in May is the newest addition to Southridge Mall.
A skating rink will open this May in Southridge Mall on East Army Post Road
in Des Moines. No mittens, hats or scarves will be required.
The soon-to-be-constructed 52-by-34-foot synthetic ice rink will allow
skaters to glide across the smooth polymer surface as if they were on real ice,
said Burton Powley, rink developer and longtime skating competitor and
coach.
The ice-free rink will provide Southridge customers with new entertainment
options and offer metro-area skaters with another practice venue, Powley said.
He hopes to have it open the first weekend in May.
The Ice Ridge rink, which will sit on the northwest end of the newly
renovated mall in an area called the West End Shops, will accommodate about 100
skaters at a time and require little maintenance. The rink will be available for
lessons and birthday parties and will host other events.
The cost of skating will be $5 and skate rental will be $3. Customers
will be able to use their own skates.
The rink is part of the first phase of renovations at Southridge, a
struggling retail center that has in the past year seen the addition of new
stores, a soon-to-open arm of Des Moines Area Community College and other
improvements.
Southridge officials said the rink will bring traffic to the shopping center
and offer a great amenity for customers.
“We are thrilled that the Ice Ridge is making Southridge its new home,” said
Taylor Coppola, the mall’s marketing manager. “Our customers have been longing
for things to do with their children and this is the best partnership for
that.”
The synthetic materials that will be used in the rink are put together in
pieces. Construction should take about a day, Powley said.
The rink’s surface is 90 percent as slippery as ice but never fluctuates in
condition like worn ice does, Powley said. “And it’s good for young kids who
won’t be as cold when they fall down,” he said.
Powley, who operated the Capitol Gateway East Ice Pavilion that closed in
2002, also operates a skating school at Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville. They put
in a temporary synthetic ice rink near the Old Capitol in Iowa City last year
and it was a success. That prompted him to give Southridge a chance, he
said.
The John Hancock Building in Chicago has a synthetic rink that operates
through the first week of January to the first week of April each year. Skating
in the Sky, the rink on the 94th floor of the famous tower, is an experience,
but being able to skate all year long at Southridge is a treat for area
residents, Powley said.
Powley said the Ice Ridge will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Traditional rinks in Des Moines area
The Metro Ice Sports Facility in Urbandale will close for six weeks beginning
the middle of June for repairs.
Brenton Skating Plaza downtown is an outdoor
facility open only during the winter.
in Des Moines. No mittens, hats or scarves will be required.
The soon-to-be-constructed 52-by-34-foot synthetic ice rink will allow
skaters to glide across the smooth polymer surface as if they were on real ice,
said Burton Powley, rink developer and longtime skating competitor and
coach.
The ice-free rink will provide Southridge customers with new entertainment
options and offer metro-area skaters with another practice venue, Powley said.
He hopes to have it open the first weekend in May.
The Ice Ridge rink, which will sit on the northwest end of the newly
renovated mall in an area called the West End Shops, will accommodate about 100
skaters at a time and require little maintenance. The rink will be available for
lessons and birthday parties and will host other events.
The cost of skating will be $5 and skate rental will be $3. Customers
will be able to use their own skates.
The rink is part of the first phase of renovations at Southridge, a
struggling retail center that has in the past year seen the addition of new
stores, a soon-to-open arm of Des Moines Area Community College and other
improvements.
Southridge officials said the rink will bring traffic to the shopping center
and offer a great amenity for customers.
“We are thrilled that the Ice Ridge is making Southridge its new home,” said
Taylor Coppola, the mall’s marketing manager. “Our customers have been longing
for things to do with their children and this is the best partnership for
that.”
The synthetic materials that will be used in the rink are put together in
pieces. Construction should take about a day, Powley said.
The rink’s surface is 90 percent as slippery as ice but never fluctuates in
condition like worn ice does, Powley said. “And it’s good for young kids who
won’t be as cold when they fall down,” he said.
Powley, who operated the Capitol Gateway East Ice Pavilion that closed in
2002, also operates a skating school at Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville. They put
in a temporary synthetic ice rink near the Old Capitol in Iowa City last year
and it was a success. That prompted him to give Southridge a chance, he
said.
The John Hancock Building in Chicago has a synthetic rink that operates
through the first week of January to the first week of April each year. Skating
in the Sky, the rink on the 94th floor of the famous tower, is an experience,
but being able to skate all year long at Southridge is a treat for area
residents, Powley said.
Powley said the Ice Ridge will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Traditional rinks in Des Moines area
The Metro Ice Sports Facility in Urbandale will close for six weeks beginning
the middle of June for repairs.
Brenton Skating Plaza downtown is an outdoor
facility open only during the winter.
As seen on KCCI-TV8 website - April 2, 2013
Mall adding ice-free skating rink
DES MOINES, Iowa --Southridge Mall announced on Facebook that a new indoor skating rink,
built without ice, will open in the mall this summer.
The Ice Ridge will use Super-Glide, a polymer surface that creates a
synthetic ice feel, to create the skating surface without the ice.
The rink will be located on the west side of the mall, officials said.
It will open in May.
Ice Ridge owners said they will offer public skating, figure skating lesson, private parties and events
opportunities and more.
Read more: http://www.kcci.com/news/entertainment/Mall-adding-ice-free-skating-rink/-/9356786/19563464/-/3ph3xqz/-/index.html#ixzz2PPRrskWz
built without ice, will open in the mall this summer.
The Ice Ridge will use Super-Glide, a polymer surface that creates a
synthetic ice feel, to create the skating surface without the ice.
The rink will be located on the west side of the mall, officials said.
It will open in May.
Ice Ridge owners said they will offer public skating, figure skating lesson, private parties and events
opportunities and more.
Read more: http://www.kcci.com/news/entertainment/Mall-adding-ice-free-skating-rink/-/9356786/19563464/-/3ph3xqz/-/index.html#ixzz2PPRrskWz
