Hey Philly! Time To Get Your Skate On!

from uwishunew.com

December 5, 2013

Roundup: A Guide To Public Ice Skating In The Philadelphia Region 2013

Posted by Jillian Wilson

Filed in: ATTRACTIONS SPORTS

2

 

Ice skating is synonyms with the winter months and a number of sites throughout Philadelphia invite winter enthusiasts to show off their finest twirl at public ice skating rinks in the region. (Photo by Matt Stanley for DRWC)

Embrace the winter chill with open arms (for balance, of course) by showing off your finest ice skating moves at a number of public ice skating rinks in the Philadelphia region.

The well-loved Blue Cross RiverRink celebrates its 20th year of fine ice skating with a special addition to its Penn’s Landing grounds, Waterfront Winterfest, a pop-up holiday village with a heated restaurant and beer garden, fire pits for s’mores, a holiday light show and much more. So now there’s even more of a reason to head to Penn’s Landing for an evening of ice skating.

This year, Philadelphia welcomes a brand-new ice skating rink, Skate at The Piazza, a 5,000-square-foot pop-up rink complete with live DJs, classic winter movies and more all season long — dust off your ice skates and head to the new attraction!

Beyond the city limits, popular rinks reign in towns like Ardmore and Aston and provide skaters with everything from hockey leagues to free skating sessions throughout the day.

Read on for our picks for public ice skating rinks in the area, below.

• Blue Cross RiverRink: Old City, Market Street & Columbus Boulevard, November 29-March 2. At theBlue Cross RiverRink, an open-air Olympic-size rink on Penn’s Landing, skaters take in a spectacular view of the city while gliding alongside the Delaware River. Debuting this year, a pop-up holiday winter garden and village called Waterfront Winterfest features craft vendors, music, food and drinks. A new holiday-themed light show dazzles every hour from 5 to 11 p.m. Plus, under a massive 400-person warming tent created from recycled shipping containers, folks enjoy comfort food, holiday cocktails and local beers. The rink offers special events throughout the season.

• Skate at The Piazza: Northern Liberties, 1001 N. 2nd Street, November 30-February 23. The city’s newest outdoor rink offers 5,000 square feet of artificial ice for skaters who want to show off their best moves. Through the end of the Sochi Olympics in February, the pop-up rink at Northern Liberties’ Piazza at Schmidts will buzz with activity — live DJs, classic winter movies, a weeknight curling league and a winter market headlined by some of Philadelphia’s most popular food trucks and craft vendors.

• Class of 1923 Rink: University City, 3130 Walnut Street, Open year-round. In addition to being home ice for several local collegiate hockey teams, the Class of 1923 Rink, a NHL-size ice skating rink, hosts a number of youth and adult hockey programs. The rink also offers group and singles freestyle skating lessons, public skating sessions and freestyle sessions. Take note, the rink is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For the complete schedule, click here.

• Rizzo Rink: Pennsport, 1001 S. Front Street, November 29-mid-March. Rizzo Rink, a covered outdoor rink, is devoted mostly to youth hockey. However, people can take advantage of public skating and skating lessons during various sessions, as well as time slots for open hockey and adult hockey.

• Laura Sims Skate House: West Philadelphia, 200 S. 63rd Street, Open year-round. Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider, Mayor Nutter and other community leaders celebrated the re-opening of a newly converted indoor ice rink in West Philadelphia two years ago. The Laura Sims Skate House, which is located in the Cobbs Creek Park Ice Skating Rink, is open to the public all year long. Enjoy learn to skate programs, public skating sessions, ice hockey instruction and league play.

• Flyers’ Skate Zone: Northeast, 10990 Decatur Road, Open year-round. The draws at this hockey-centric rink — public skating sessions and plenty of opportunities (practice sessions, clinics, teams at various levels) for hockey players to hone their skills on two NHL-size surfaces.

• Simons Ice Rink: West Oak Lane, 7200 Woolston Avenue, Open until February. Simons Ice Rink has everything from chess to spoken word, to art and sewing to ice skating. The rink is open every day through February and is an affordable winter escape as it provides skaters with free admission and $2 skate rental. For public skating times, click here.

• Wissahickon Skating Rink: Northwest, 550 W. Willow Grove Avenue, Open year-round. Freestyle, synchronized skating, hockey and public skating sessions and lessons keep Wissahickon Skating Rink, a family-focused rink, active all throughout the year. For skating enthusiasts, the pro shop specializes in equipment and custom blade sharpening.

• IceWorks Skating Complex: Delaware County, 3100 W. Dutton’s Mill Road, Open year-round.IceWorks Skating Complex boasts four skating surfaces — one Olympic-size and three NHL-size — keep hockey players and figure skaters on ice all year long. Lessons cover all disciplines and skill levels, and the pro shop sells a full line of equipment. Just watching? Guests can catch the action from the cafe or pub.

• Oaks Center Ice: Montgomery County, 100 Pennco Road, Oaks, Open year-round. Skaters of all levels flock to the three NHL-size rinks during dozens of public skating, freestyle and hockey sessions at Oaks Center Ice. Youngsters can get in on the fun of team synchronized skating or compete in the Broadway-style Theater on Ice program.

• Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society Rink: Montgomery County, 220 Holland Road, Open year-round. Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society Rink, America’s first skating club is still one of the finest with high-quality ice for skaters of all levels. The former training center for several national and Olympic champs (including Scott Hamilton), PSCHS welcomes skaters for public lessons, synchronized skating and lessons for beginners to elite levels.

• Skatium: Delaware County, 1002 Darby Road, Open year-round. Staying true to its family-friendly reputation, the Skatium offers programs for all ages and skill levels — hockey clinics, open hockey sessions, figure skating lessons and public skating.

Cyber Monday Sale Philadelphia

Philadelphia our blog special offers things to do holiday travel tips cyber monday hotel sale Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport Cyber Monday is December 2, 2013 and the countdown has begun for one of the biggest Cyber Monday Hotel sales in Philadelphia. For one day, enjoy 20% off regular hotel rates through December 31, 2014 at Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. * Can't wait till December 2? Check out our other offers that include free cooked to order breakfast, complimentary evening reception, free high speed internet access gift cards, bonus points and more. more nights = more points With the Hilton HHonors™ More Nights, More Points, you can earn free nights faster than ever. Stay two nights and double your points for your entire stay. Stay three nights to triple your points, or four nights to quadruple your points. Book and stay with us before January 31, 2014, and earn points fast. It’s a quick ticket to unforgettable holiday experiences. ...LEARN MORE MILITARY FAMILY HOLIDAY SPECIAL Our way of saying, "Thank You". For active & retired military and their families enjoy exclusive savings of 10%. And of course with every stay at Embassy Suites Hotels, guests enjoy two-room suites, free cooked-to-order breakfast and complimentary drinks and snacks at the nightly Evening Reception. ...LEARN MORE Visiting friends and Family for the holidays? If you're going out of town for the Holidays, avoid the hassle  of driving and parking at Philadelphia International Airport. Spend the night before your trip with us and take our complimentary airport shuttle when it's time to go.  With our Stay n Fly Package * begin your vacation in one of our spacious two-room suites, enjoy our free cooked-to-order breakfast and relax at the Complimentary Evening Reception.   *Trip and vehicle information must be given at check-in. Vehicle parking is available a maximum of seven days with this package.  ...LEARN MORE BOOK NOW CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL* FOR STAYS FROM DECEMBER 2013 THROUGH DECEMBER  2014 20 % off regular rate Free Internet Access Free cooked to order breakfast Complimentary Evening Reception Two Room Suite   PHOTO GALLERY Book Online or Call (215) 365-4500 to reserve your package today! Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Airport 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153 TEL: 215-365-4500 | FAX: 215-365-4803 info@embassysuites.com Visit hotel website

Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival

Race for Pride, Community and just plain Fun...



from philadelphiaboatfestival.com

History
The Past

The origin of Dragon Boat Racing dates back over 2000 years to the Chinese legend of Qu Yuan, a 4th-century statesman, poet, and adviser to the king.  Qu Yuan was exiled from the ancient state of Chu after his advice to the king was misinterpreted as an attempt to assume greater political power.  For his offense, Qu Yuan was banished to a remote area of Hunan Province in southern China.

The dishonor of being exiled was a heavy burden on Qu Yuan.  Under the weight of his sorrow, he threw himself into the torrents of the Milou River – but some local fishermen raced out onto the water to save the drowning Qu Yuan.  The fishermen wildly beat their drums and splashed the water with their paddles to prevent the water dragons and fish from eating Qu Yuan.

The modern Dragon Boat Race is based upon a traditional re-enactment of the race to save Qu Yuan.  Over the centuries, village fishing boats went out each year in a symbolic search, and began to take part in races that evolved into Dragon Boat Racing’s present form.

The Present

Today, Dragon Boat Racing is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world

The Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival has grown to become the largest in North America.today.

Stroll up Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill River for an unusually colorful and dramatic regatta, the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Festival, Philadelphia’s annual celebration of an ancient Chinese tradition.

The boats, festooned in brilliantly colored dragon heads and tails, are manned by teams of 20 paddlers and compete against each other in several heats throughout the day.

But that’s just half the excitement. A wide range of corporate, civic and community groups send teams to this regional event, and each team sets up a tented picnic area along the riverfront — making for a fun and festive atmosphere for paddlers and spectators alike.

Proceeds from the Philadelphia races support the services of Fox Chase Cancer Center, one of the nation’s first comprehensive cancer centers.

Kelly Drive is closed to traffic for the event and parking is scarce. If you’re coming as a spectator, you will want to pack a picnic.

Live music and vendors selling dragon boat paraphernalia and other Asian goods, including clothing and crafts.

When?
October 5, 2013 8AM-5:30Pm

Where?
Kelly Drive Philadelphia, PA

The Route

Where to Stay:

Embassy Suites Philadelphia - Airport
9000 Bartram Avenue
Philadelphia, PA  

Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport is joining in the Festivities by offering all Teams and Spectators of the Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival:

• Free cooked to order breakfast
• Complimentary Evening Reception
• Two Room Suite
• Packages that include free parking, high speed internet and Bonus HHonor Points
• Free Hotel Shuttle to Philadelphia International Airport

Click Here to pick the overnight package right for your

 Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival Weekend

Philadelphia Phillies and their Stadiums -A History of a City's Passion

Discoveries from the City Archives

Philadelphia Phillies: the Movingest

 (not the Losingest) team in baseball

By TECHNICALLY PHILLY | Published: OCTOBER 4, 2012

Citizens Bank Park from a Wikipedia photo

By Yael Borofsky for PhillyHistory.org

The thing about October is that the weather is like the baseball — sometimes it’s hot for

 most of the month, and sometimes it’s very, very cold.

 After quite a few years of some very “hot” Octobers for the Philadelphia Phillies, 

this year’s tenth month seems like it will be a chilly one.

But even if the Phillies miss out on a chance at the national title this year, 

they may deserve another title: the Movingest Team in Baseball.

Although the Cincinatti Reds and a few other legacy baseball teams may be 

close runners-up, the Phillies have switched major home parks

 at least five times within the same glorious city throughout their tenure.

The superlative illustrates their unique legacy and could, by way of a jaunt through history,

 distract from what will otherwise be a decidedly

 disappointing October.

The Parks

Recreation Park, also known as Centennial Park (among other monikers), 

was adopted as the first true home of the Philadelphia Phillies

 in 1883.

A shot of the Baker Bowl Police Annual Review taking place
on the Phillies’ field.

Recreation Park was outlined by 

24th Street, 25th Street, Columbia and Ridge Avenue,

 in what baseball author Rich Westcott described as 

“the most irregularly shaped piece of land imaginable,” 

in his book Philadelphia’s Old Ballparks. 

To add to its physical oddity, though the park was 

previously called 

Columbia Park — it had been used as a baseball field by other teams since 1860 — it was also briefly

 occupied by a cavalry of the Union Army in 1866. One can only assume that they didn’t squeeze a few 

recreational innings in. The spot was renamed again in 1871 when the Philadelphia Centennials improved 

the baseball facilities and named it Centennial Park after the team.

Albert Reach, formerly a hot shot second baseman for the Philadelphia Athletics credited with 

taking that team to the 1871 pennant, brought major league

 baseball and the Phillies to the bizarre spot he renamed Recreation Park.

But, according to Westcott, the fans and the Phillies outgrew the park quickly and the

 team moved to a new home park, the Philadelphia Base Ball Park 

(eventually known as the Baker Bowl), in 1887.

Philadelphia Park met its untimely demise in 1894 when a fire killed 12 fans and injured

 more than 200 others, according to Westcott.

An aerial view of Connie Mack, which opened in 1909, but was
razed in 1976.

In the aftermath, the Phillies played in a couple

 other city parks until making their next big

 move to Columbia Park, 

the original home of the Athletics and first

 American League stadium in Philadelphia.

 In addition to hosting both the 

Phillies and the Athletics, the wooden park

 managed to contain the City Series, in which

 the two Philly teams

 went head to head. Coincidentally, in 26 total City Series match-ups, each team won an even 13 times.

After Philadelphia Park was reincarnated as the Baker Bowl, the Phillies stayed put for until 1938. 

Despite the fire and the new park’s infamously low, tin right field wall, it’s no surprise they stuck around – 

the Phils went to their first World Series there in 1915, not to mention sustained a run of nine 

consecutive first division finishes.

Westcott writes in his book of the Phillies’ success in the park: “Between 1911 and 1938, 

Phillies players led or tied

 for the National League in most home runs hit at home 19 times.”

In total, the Philles hit 1,314 home runs in nearly 52 years at their odd little hitter’s park at

 Broad Street and Lehigh.

You can read a fuller history of the infamously weird Baker Bowl at PhillyHistory.org by

 clicking here.

The dedication of Veterans Stadium. The stadium was demolished
in 2004.

The Phillies next set up shop at 21st and Lehigh. 

Shibe Park, known as Connie Mack after 1953, 

housed the team

 for nearly 33 years. The park, named after

 former catcher and A’s manager Cornelius McGillicuddy, 

was also a

 nesting ground for the Philadelphia Athletics for 46 years

 and the Philadelphia Eagles for 17 years before being razed in 1976.

After Connie Mack closed in 1970, the Phillies moved on to Veterans Stadium where they finally claimed 

their first World Series title in 1980.

They wouldn’t see another national victory like that until 2008, after moving to their current home, Citizen’s Bank Park, in 2004.

Over the course of more than five different home stadiums, the Phillies traveled from North to South Philly,

 nabbing themselves a title as unusual as their journey and one that tells a story of adaptability, 

determination, and maybe, just a little bit of faith.

References:

Wescott, Rich, Philadelphia’s Old Ballparks, Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1996.

This entry was posted in Entertainment. Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

- See more at: http://www.phillyhistory.org/blog/index.php/2012/10/philadelphia-phillies-the-movingest-not-the-losingest-team-in-baseball/#sthash.HWmpz7ey.dpuf