Venues still get a workout

PROVO — Built as a venue for the 2002 Winter Games, The Peaks Ice Arena opened in March 1999 and hosted the men's and women's ice hockey competitions during the Games.

As Utah marks the third anniversary this week of the opening of the 2002 Games, Utah County residents are using The Peaks for everything from indoor soccer to birthday parties on the ice.

Mayor Lewis Billings says the Olympic ice sheet in Provo has provided great opportunities for the would-be Olympians and champions in Utah County — the kind of opportunities that persuaded Provo and Utah County officials to fight for the venue and the facility.

"There are some incredible things that happen up there," Billings said. "The little girls on their skates, the little boys playing ice hockey . . . they are the reason we built it."

Youth and adult ice hockey leagues practice on the local ice and host a variety of tournaments at the arena, which is open year-round and includes two Olympic-size ice sheets.

People may learn to skate, practice their freestyle skills, join a hockey scrimmage session or sign the kids up for an introductory ice skating class or for hockey or soccer league play.

"We have probably 50 or more in The Peaks Figure Skating Club," said Vicki Dixon, skating director. "We, of course, are more popular in the winter, but I'm seeing a really good mix of ages and interest."

Dixon said girls tend to go more for the figure skating and boys more for hockey. But she has a young boy who works on the ice in the morning who recently competed and did well in a national figure-skating event.

Another adult figure skater is getting ready to compete in ice dancing events.

"Eight out of 10 who walk in the door have Olympic hopes," Dixon said. "But we have some serious possibilities, I think."

Dixon said the interest always surges after or during an Olympic Games time and then tends to drop off some. The Peaks sees the same ebb and flow but is always looking for ways to energize interest, she said.

Bob Garcia, director of the hockey programs, said the number of youth and adult participants has almost doubled in the past three years.

He has 400 youth players ranging in age from 4 to 16. There are 10 house league teams and four traveling teams based at the arena. And he's added spring and summer league teams to the schedule.