Figure Skates Expand Access to Popular Ice Skating Lessons in Lander

In Lander, the outdoor ice rink draws packed crowds during the winter months, with residents of all ages signing up for figure skating lessons in the five to six weeks the rink was open in 2025. However, the Parks and Recreation department lacks adequate figure skates to meet growing demand—many skates date back to the 1960s and provide poor ankle support, while some sizes have only a single pair available. The shortage forces students to switch between figure skates and hockey skates lesson to lesson, or wear improperly sized skates, making it difficult to learn basic skills and master techniques that require toe picks. When the local figure skating instructor who launched the popular lesson program a decade ago learned more about how LOR works, she worked with the city on a plan to outfit the rink with proper equipment. LOR’s funding will help purchase 36 pairs of figure skates in sizes from children through adults, plus skate trainers for beginners, ensuring everyone interested in lessons or recreational skating has access to appropriate, supportive equipment.