Herbert Wells Ice Rink
Oh, the weather outside is frightful ...
Save to my Account
The weather may indeed be frightful, but that’s the perfect time for lacing up your skates to learn or perfect your skating skills. During the summer months, you head next door to the Ellen E. Linson Splash Park.
Classes are offered for beginning skaters and those who want to learn how to play hockey. Just picture yourself winning the Winter Olympics’ figure skating, hockey, or speed skating gold medal. Or, envision a Currier and Ives moment with steaming hot chocolate and marshmallows. And, you’ll be able to say it all started here.
Part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), the semi-enclosed standard NHL (National Hockey League) size rink is part of the Wells-Linson Complex. The facility offers skate rentals, league locker rooms, changing room, showers, vending area, a party room and a warming hut with a fireplace.
Lessons are through the weSKATE Ice Skating Institute (ISI) Recreational Skating Program which is fun and rewarding. After mastering the basics, you can advance to higher figure skating levels and even join a synchronized skating team. Classes are offered October through March, for all ages. With sufficient mastery, you can compete in at least five National/International ISI competitions and numerous district competitions.
Special events may preempt some scheduled sessions, so stop by the rink to pick up their monthly calendar.
There is an admission fee that varies by age and whether or not you’re a resident of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, in Maryland.
Generally, the 600-seat rink is open from late October through early April.
Curious people are sure to ask who was Herbert W. Wells and why was the rink named for him? He was a Prince George’s County banker and businessman (G.T. Wells & Sons) who was chairman of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission from 1957 to 1963. He was appointed to the commission in 1947. A resident of College Park since 1931, he served on the city council in the 1940s. Wells died in October 1979, at the age of 77.