RACHEL: Nice avatar...don't hear that everyday, do ya?
Claim to fame for rinks...well, I skate at the Jones Center For Families. To my knowledge it is the only facility like it in the entire country...at least that is what I have been told. Here is why we are unique:
(This is all from memory, and it is way early, so I will try to get the facts straight)
There was a couple named Benice and Harvey Jones that owned Jones Truck Lines out of Springdale, Arkansas. The company was either sold, dissolved, or went out of business...I am not sure of the exact events. Mr. and Mrs. Jones converted the old truck terminal into a community center. This place is amazing. It features the Joel Caver Ice Arena, a swimming center with kiddie pool, slide, and Olympic size pool, a computer lab, conference rooms, food court, senior center, and free classes....and the facility is free. The only things I pay for are my club dues, and coaching fees. People come and skate for free...no skate rental fee. They swim for free, they take classes for free (unless there is a materials fee). The only require which is posted on the door is this: 'All Are Wlecome Who Behave As Ladies, And Gentlemen. NO EXCEPTIONS.' It is the cleanest facility that I have ever skated in, and the best ice. It feels like home, and the people there are so nice. To my knowledge, the only famous person that skated there was Tara Lipinski (however you spell her name). It was not widely known, and the rink was actually closed that day, I think. Since we are not a for profit rink, we are closed Sunday and Monday. I help out where I can, like cleaning up, helping with skate camp, volunteerig behind the skate counter, and just promoting our sport in the most positive way that I can. We have been given a great gift, and I am so thankful for it. Here is a link, if you want all the exact details:
www.jonesnet.org
