Triphahn Center Ice Arena Welcomes Glen Ellyn Speedskating Club
The Hoffman Estates Park District is excited to announce that the Glen Ellyn Speedskating Club (GESS) will now be operating at the Triphahn Center Ice Arena at 1685 W. Higgins Road. Founded in 1938, GESS is one of the oldest Speed Skating Clubs in America.
The club offers a three-week introductory program to speed skating and continued sessions called "learn to speed skate" where participants can expand and develop skills. The clubs is open to advanced skaters as well who would like learn a new skill, stay in shape and even compete at the highest levels. The club will hold its team practices and speed skating lessons at the Triphahn Center on Sundays. The public is welcome to come and watch.
"We are really excited about this new partnership with HE Parks," said Head Coach Melissa Koenig (who is also a national competitor in the Masters division). "The Triphahn facilities, both on and off-ice, will allow us the opportunity to expand the program and provide our athletes with the ability to train at a high level close to home. We are always working to recruit new members into our clubs. We know it is a great low-impact exercise and a great cross training sport for athletes like cyclists and triathletes and we hope that this move will introduce this wonderful sport to a whole new group of families and athletes who may have never seen it except during the Olympics. We hope this exposure will encourage more people to get out and try speed skating."
GESS has a long history of producing athletes that have gone to National, International and Olympic success. Currently the club membership includes Junior World Team and University Team members, numerous national age group champions (junior ages through masters) and a number of national age group record holders. The club has been two-time National Long Track Club Champion and one-time National Short Track Club Champion.
On October 29, 2017, GESS and the Triphahn Center will be hosting the 100th annual Chicago Silver Skates meet and the Heartland Racing Series. Skaters from across the Midwest will converge to compete in this special event. The public is welcome to attend and see what an exciting sport speed skating is.
"This is a great opportunity to introduce our community to another sport that we haven't had at the Triphahn Center before," said HE Parks' Director of Recreation and Facilities, Mike Kies.
For more information about the Triphahn Center Ice Arena visit heparks.org or call 847-885-7500. For more information about the GESS visit glenellynspeedskating.org or call 630-403-8310.
About HE Parks
Providing first-class parks, facilities, programs and services for a dynamic community of more than 50,000 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, HE Parks operates two community centers, twin ice arenas, a premier 18-hole golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center, family aquatic center and more than 70 parks. Facilities include Triphahn Community Center & Ice Arena, Willow Recreation Center, Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club, Prairie StoneTM Sports & Wellness Center, Seascape Family Aquatic Center and Vogelei Park & Barn.
In 2013 HE Parks was accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). It has been recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Park and Recreation Agency by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and is the recipient of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks & Recreation Management by the National Recreation & Parks Association; the highest national honor in the public recreation category.
About Glen Ellyn Speedskating Club
GESS includes skaters of all ages, abilities, and interest levels: From recreational skaters who enjoy the cardio workout and club environment to skaters who have Olympic and World Team aspirations. This past year the members of the club included four Junior World Team members, numerous National Champions (in all age groups), and numerous skaters who are ranked in the top 10 in the country for their age groups.
GESS is a member of the Amateur Skating Association of Illinois (ASAI) and US Speedskating. Our coaches are all certified with US Speedskating. The team draws members from the greater Chicagoland area including Wisconsin and Indiana. Visit www.glenellynspeedskating.org or stop by the Triphan Center for more information.