Located in SW Fort Worth, the Ridglea Iceland Skating Center website boasts " wild birthday parties, wholesome family entertainment, vivacious DJ's." Newer signeage, website, and flashier words are the newest lures to mask the same old mess. Reading their website, one would gather that this is the place to bring your little girls and boys to learn fundamental skating skills be it hockey or figure skating. Upon pulling up to the postage-sized parking lot, you begin to realize that you've been duped by all the shiny tackle. Inside, things begin to go downhill . On my most recent visit ( I had to go 4 other times just to make sure it was not a figment of my imagination). I opened the doors to find the NHL-sized rink as well as the complex ( save for the concession stand) in complete darkness. Female figure skaters ranging in age from 6 yrs- 15 yrs, laid sprawled out on their backs in skating dresses showing their wears, no doubt the "Rink Rat Club" (see website). Older and unaccompanied men ( some grandpas) lurking to-and fro checking the scene --- Maybe one of the reasons why Ridglea Iceland boasts 20 B-day parties and 3000 public skaters a week. Loud and blaring music screamed overhead. Once I gained my bearings in the bat cave, I walked over to the rink to check the condition of the ice to find a 1-inch layer of snow. I asked the staff about lessons for my 8 year old niece and was introduced to the director. I looked her up on the internet and wondered how someone could land a job such as director and principle trainer, placing 8th in SW Regionals (2004)... after that she virtually drops out of sight. Having been to numerous tourneys and observing the director in action and some of her pupils, (performances) decorum and talent is not in this Miss' vocabulary. Being one of the only rinks in town, you pretty much have to settle . If you prize your children's chastity, mental integrity, or your marriages, stay away. I have personally seen what this place turns out ... and it is not talented figure skaters. Having been to over 11 rinks, this could be safely classified as one of the worst I've seen ranking up there with Dookie.To Fort Worth's historians, it could be classified as the new " Hell's Half Acre" . Gunslingers, saloons, and the noteworthy barmaids and prostitutes it is the new Wild, Wild South West.
"Don't, let your boys to grow up to be... Cowboys"
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