sports
The last lap at Lloyd Center: how America is losing its mall ice rinks
The Portland rink where Tonya Harding first skated was an affordable community institution for six decades. Its closure echoes the disappearance of mall ice across the US
TL;DR
- The Lloyd Center ice rink in Portland, open for nearly seven decades, has closed, marking the end of an era for the community.
- The rink was a culturally significant spot, hosting events, lessons, and even serving as Tonya Harding's first skating location.
- Its closure is part of a national trend of mall ice rinks disappearing as malls decline, reducing accessible and affordable entry points to skating.
- Beyond skating, the rink served as a community center for various groups, fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
- The loss of the rink leaves Portland without any ice rinks within city limits, impacting skaters and coaches who now face long commutes and competition for ice time.
- A non-profit, the Bridgetown Ice Skating Collective, is working to establish a new rink after mall developers abandoned plans for one.
- The closure has emotional and financial consequences for skaters, coaches, and families, with some considering significant travel or quitting the sport.