Skating group discontinues program after rising costs

Detroit Lakes, Minn. (WDAY TV) - Instead of paying more for expensive ice time, a Detroit Lakes figure skating group is discontinuing its program, at least for now.

D-L Blades sent out a letter to parents stating that the club would not be offering skating lessons this year. The directors didn't want to ask parents to pay the high price for ice time, which is 92 dollars an hour.

The Public Works Director says ice rental increased about 12 percent this year, as the city has been forced to trim its costs.

“It's very important for a community to have diversity, and we definitely want skaters.”

D-L Blades actually rents its ice time from the Detroit Lakes Youth Hockey Association who leases ice time from the city. The association President says they've previously been charging people less than what they pay, but are no longer doing that. Green says there is another skating club in town.