What to do in Lake Placid? Ice Skating at the Olympic Oval

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By Diane Chase


We slip into our skates for the first time of the season at the outdoor rink best known as Lake Placid Olympic Oval. My blades are rusty and I thrust my foot down the throat of the boot, trying to make my foot pair with the skate. Eyes are pulled out of one side and the laces are frayed. My foot is in a wrestling hold with the boot while the skates look like they lost a fight while in storage. I wonder if this is the year to invest in a new pair?
My son and daughter leave me enthusiastically behind. The speed skaters have exited the ice and it is time for public skating. My children mimic the smooth gait of the speedskaters and attempt a twirl of the ice dancers not caring if they fall, slide or skid around the Lake Placid Olympic Oval.
This 400-meter speedskating oval is named in honor of James "Bunny" Sheffield for his efforts in helping to organize and promote winter sports in the area. According to the Speedskating Hall of Fame, Sheffield was a promoter, organizer and official in winter sports as well as Amateur Skating Union (ASU) President and international board member.
The US Speedskating Association was founded in 1966 as the United States International Speedskating Association when a small group parted from the ASU. In 2002 both organizations merged to what is now one organization responsible for the development of skaters from the first lace-up to Olympic gold. USISA is known simply as US Speedskating.
The James Sheffield Speedskating Oval was used in both Lake Placid Olympics (1932 and 1980). Local Olympian Jack Shea won his two gold medals for speedskating during the 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics. Its most famous win to date was Eric Heiden's five gold medals during the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Games. I am hoping that I can conjure up just a bit of their speed and grace while making my own loop around this Olympic Oval. 
My husband's skates are too big and mine are too old. We are akin to the "Three Bears."  My daughter's skates aren't white like the twirling ice dancers she admires, while my son's are just right.
I can't believe the fun to be had no matter the condition of our equipment. Everyone is outside enjoying the crisp afternoon air. We are by no means speeding around the oval, but we will enjoy this Olympic outdoor ice while we can.
The Sheffield Olympic Oval is open from December through March. Public skating is from 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., speed skating is from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Thursday – Monday. Weekend times are more frequent so check the schedule. Adults $8:00, Junior (12 & under) :$5.00, Seniors (65+) $5.00. Skate Rentals are available for $3.00. For more information please call 518-523-1655. 
Adirondack Family Time Tip: If you are visiting the area and are going to visit more than one Olympic venue, look into getting the Olympic Sites Passport for $29, which includes admission to the Olympic Oval as well as other venues. 

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