If you’re ready to learn a new skill this summer, lace up your roller skates or slip on a climbing harness and head to Millcreek Common (1354 E. Chambers Ave.) for lessons that provide unique challenges and outdoor fun. 

SparKill (pronounced Sparkle) teaches roller skating classes on Mondays at 6 p.m. on the Skate Loop, where she’ll help beginners learn skating techniques or help more experienced skaters brush up on the basics. 

“Each week is a different skill that they can have broken down for them and learn how to practice it on their own. It’s helping them learn step by step,” she said. “So, this week I’m teaching backwards skating, last week I taught stops and the week before, I taught just the basic stance and stride.”

For advanced skaters, the roller dance group at Millcreek Common teaches the Skating Dance Skills class every Wednesday at 8 p.m. on the Skate Loop. Each of the skating legends takes a turn teaching the classes, which consist of fun tricks, unique dance moves and more difficult skating skills. 

Skating lessons are free with a $7 paid admission to the Skate Loop. Skate rental is an additional $5 and helmets are available at no charge. SparKill also suggests bringing elbow, wrist and knee pads for additional protection. 

“Do you ever see anybody wearing skates with a frown on their face?” SparKill asked. “I love that people get to learn new hobbies. It’s great to get outside. Really, there’s no reason not to take a class, especially when classes are included with admission.”

For those interested in learning how to scale the rock climbing wall, the climbing class on select Saturdays at 9 a.m. can help new climbers reach new heights. For $28, participants 16 and older can learn new climbing techniques or master basic skills.

The four-hour session teaches safety protocols, managing ropes, catching falls and using Petzl GriGris for lead belaying. Participants will also learn how to communicate with a climbing partner and understand risk management and fall dynamics. 

Climbing shoes are required and can be rented for $5 per day. Harnesses, belay devices and helmets are included. 

Millcreek Common also offers day camps, DJ skate nights, summer celebrations, holiday festivals, a splash pad, the Summer Bazaar market and free play activities for kids on weekdays from noon until 2 p.m. For more information, visit MillcreekCommon.org.  λ