The last lap at Lloyd Center: how America is losing its mall ice rinks
Summary
The Lloyd Center shopping mall in Portland, which opened in 1960 with a popular ice rink, has closed along with its rink after nearly 70 years. This closure reflects a broader trend in the U.S. where mall ice rinks, once common and accessible community spaces, have disappeared as malls decline or are redeveloped.Key Facts
- Lloyd Center had an ice rink since 1960, first outdoor then enclosed by a glass ceiling.
- The rink was a popular community spot for skating lessons, holiday events, and social gatherings.
- The rink supported a Learn To Skate USA program with one of the highest enrollment rates in the country.
- Lloyd Center’s ice rink closed recently, marking the end of rink skating within Portland city limits.
- Mall ice rinks historically offered easy public access to skating without needing private club memberships.
- The rink was downsized in 2016 to an oval shape, which limited competitive skating opportunities.
- The mall also hosted other community activities like chess clubs, study groups, and social meet-ups.
- Lloyd Center coach Alec Schmitt called it the “most inclusive rink” he had known, highlighting its community role.
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