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NEWS & NOTESShowcase Your Love of Skating at ISI Heartland Challenge!
by Eileen Viglione
What better way to showcase your love of skating than to compete in our 2024 ISI Heartland Challenge, taking place Nov. 8-10 in “America’s Heartland,” or simply the Midwest, where:
“There’s a love for the country
And a pride in the brand
In America’s heartland living close to the land*”
The Heartland Challenge will offer several hundred events in dozens of different disciplines of skating for participants ranging in age from 1 to 99! Test and entry deadline is Sept. 25. REGISTER NOW.
Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena
Host of this spectacular event is Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena in Newark, Ohio, which has roots that trace back to the 1980s, when it began as an outdoor city rink, known as the Newark Ice Arena.
Today, the arena boasts a pristine sheet of ice; snack bar; a pro shop, offering skate sharpening, custom skate fitting and a full line of accessories for figures skating and hockey; and outdoor pickleball courts.
Newark, Ohio
Conveniently located in Central Ohio, just 40 miles east of Columbus, Newark is the quintessential image of “small-town America,” with its historical landmarks and quaint downtown district featuring small shops and restaurants that have been family-owned for generations. Visitors will enjoy viewing the various works of public art (statues and murals) on display throughout this vibrant downtown area.
Top 5 Cool Newark Attractions
1. World’s Largest Basket — now that’s a must-see! The backstory: The Longaberger Company was once the leading handmade basket company in the United States, and its former home office was located in a basket-shaped building, which still stands today. The building is a replica — 160 times larger — of the company’s popular market basket. It is seven stories high and features handles weighing 150 tons. It’s definitely worth a photo op!
2. Newark Earthworks — The largest set of geometric earthen enclosures in the world and a national historic landmark, the Newark Earthworks were built by the Hopewell culture 2,000 years ago. They served as ceremonial spaces for many indigenous Native Americans. In 2023, the Newark Earthworks were added to the World Heritage List, which also includes the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, The Taj Mahal, Stonehenge and the Great Barrier Reef!
3. The Works Museum — A top family-friendly attraction, The Works Museum provides tons of unique, fun and interactive educational opportunities for both kids and grown-ups. It features hands-on science exhibits, a glass blowing shop, planetarium, art gallery and more. It’s a great place for families to connect and learn some cool stuff!
4. National Heisey Glass Museum — Established in 1974, the museum houses an extensive collection of stunning glassware produced by the A.H. Heisey Company from 1896 through 1957. Be prepared to be blown away by both the artistry and history of these beautiful creations!
- Dawes Aboretum — Encompassing nearly 2,000 acres of plants, gardens and trails, the Dawes Aboretum is the perfect spot to unwind. Visitors can explore the scenic trails, visit the many gardens, climb the observation towers for awe-inspiring views and just get lost in nature.
MORE INFO
skateisi.org/heartlandchallenge
Learn more about America’s Heartland at americasheartland.org
*“Close to the Land (America’s Heartland)” — song by Michael Martin Murphey
Established in 1959, the Ice Sports Industry (ISI) — creator of America’s first learn-to-skate curriculum — is an international trade association encompassing all aspects of the ice sports industry. Our goal is to promote ice skating as a participant sport and recreational activity for everyone — all ages and abilities. Learn more about the ISI Ice Skating Program.
