The Grande Prairie Skating Club is dedicated to the belief that all skaters should be

able to participate fully in skating for fun, fitness and a lifetime of achievement. The

Grande Prairie Skating Club is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the

development of all skaters – a club where all skaters have the opportunity to realize

their potential. We offer a broad selection of affordable, effective skating programs

designed to provide for the social, emotional and physical benefit of all skaters.

Through our programs we provide a solid foundation in skating fundamentals not only to

figure skaters, but to aspiring young hockey and ringette players as well.

As a member of this club you have joined the skating family of Grande Prairie, which

has been active and strong for over 65 years.

As early as 1924 a rink built by the Wapiti Rink Company was designated for skating

and curling, and the first Ice Carnival was presented.

In 1935, the city council was subsidizing skating by offering free water supply, and a

$100.00 lump sum bonus if skating was granted free to the children of the City for 3

days a week. Herb Shields was taught to figure skate by Johnny MacDonald and John

Munro from Edmonton and by 1941 he was assisting with freeskate instruction in

Grande Prairie.

1952 saw the first skating school in Grande Prairie with an Edmonton coach and in

1953 the Kinsmen offered an ice show – Ice Sensations, which showed to 5,000 people

in 3 nights in their newly built Memorial Arena. This arena became the first figure

skating club’s home in 1956. The club was called “Draco” – a constellation of the North

Stars.

In 1959, when Grande Prairie received city status, an ice show was staged for the

celebrations. Herb Shields organized it and in 1961 he became a CFSA test judge,

continuing to judge until his death in 1982. From 1967 onwards the Swan City FSC

hired professional coaches and figure skating became firmly woven in the fabric of

Grande Prairie. In the mid 70’s the first summer school was held and in 1996 the first

spring school of the newly named Grande Prairie Skating Club was a success.

In 1995 the club revised and broadened its vision and in the process changed its name

to reflect its community roots and it’s commitment to provide skating programs for all

ages and all abilities. Since then we have continued to grow and develop, always

looking for fresh new ideas.

I hope you all be touched by the same spirit and commit yourself to the growth and

achievement of every member. With your membership, you too become a part of

Grande Prairie skating history. No matter how small your involvement, it is important.

Most importantly – is please become involved. Volunteerism is not only for your

children, but it has rewards for yourself in fellowship and fun. The club would not be

were it is to day with out the many wonderful volunteers that have worked so hard to

build our club to were it is today.