The Park Ridge Speed Skating Club (PRSSC) was founded in 1968.  Notable club members have included Nancy Swider-Peltz, Mark Greenwald, and Nancy Swider-Peltz Jr, all Olympians, as well as many other national team members.  We are an affiliate of the Park Ridge Park District.

About Speed Skating

PRSSC members compete in short track meets primarily in the Chicago area and long track meets in Milwaukee.

Short track skating (an Olympic sport) takes place on a hockey rink.  A 111 meter track is marked and races range in length from 55 meters for our youngest skaters, up to 3000 meters (27 laps).  We host the Park Ridge Short Track Open in November and two novice meets during the season.

Long track skating takes place on a 400 meter oval.  Distances range from 50 meters for young children, to 10,000 meters for national level racers.  Most long track meets are pack style, with several skaters competing directly with each other.  At the national level there are time-trial races, as seen during the Olympics. The Pettit Center in Milwaukee is the only long track facility near Chicago.

Equipment

Speed skates have long, narrow, flat blades to promote strong, efficient pushing and fast gliding. 

Short track skates have stiff boots to provide support for tight turns.  The blade is offset to the left and is slightly bent to provide better ice contact in turns.  We have some used short track skates available for beginning club members.

Long-track skates have lower softer boots, and a longer blade hinged at the toe.

We require the following safety equipment:  Helmet (bicycle), gloves, shin pads (soccer), knee pads, neck protector, and long sleeves and pants.  We place thick pads along the boards at every practice and meet.

Our Coaches

Nancy Swider-Peltz, a four-time Olympian, and charter club member, coaches our older, more skilled skaters.

Peter Block, PRSSC president, has been coaching our younger novice skaters for over ten years.

Times, Fees, Membership and Other Details

We skate at Oakton Ice Arena in Park Ridge from late September through early March.  We skate on Tuesdays from 5:55-7:10 p.m., and Thursdays 6:10-7:10 p.m.  During December we skate on Tuesdays only.  We also conduct a summer clinic in June and July.

Fees for the full 2009-2010 season were as follows:

   Full season:  $700 for skilled skaters and $500 for novices.
   Family cap:  $1,200.
   Per session:  $20 for skilled skaters, $15 for novices.

We have a “try it” policy for new skaters, where the first three practices are free.

Membership in U.S. Speedskating and the Amateur Skating Association of Illinois is required of club members.