Reaching out and connecting with underserved children in the city of Millcreek, Utah, spurs Jamie Wilner as she attempts to make the sport of ice skating more inclusive.

The ice skating specialist at the Millcreek Common outdoor ice arena — known as the Skate Loop — Wilner successfully submitted an application in 2024 for one of U.S. Figure Skating's six 2025 Community Development Grants.

With funding in hand, Wilner and her team accommodated one of the area's afterschool programs, and one of the Granite School District's fourth-grade classes on two occasions.

"We were able to give them a full lesson with Learn to Skate USA certified instructors, and give them an opportunity they might not normally have," Wilner said. "Students at Title I schools rarely have the opportunity to ice skate due to economic challenges. Ice skating is a fun way for kids to learn time management, respect and a better understanding of body awareness."

The Department of Education defines Title I schools as having at least 40 percent of their enrollment comprised of children from low-income families. Within the Granite School District, 43 of its 62 elementary schools are classified as economically disadvantaged, highlighting these students' prevalent economic challenges.

Regarding racial and ethnic diversity, the Granite School District reflects a diverse student population. According to the district's most recent enrollment data (2022), 1 percent of students identify as American Indian, 4 percent as African American/Black, 4 percent as Asian, 39 percent as Hispanic, 2 percent as multiple races.

A year go on Jan. 9, Millcreek Common — the state's largest outdoor rink at 11,000-square-feet — hosted 15 students and teachers from the Olympus afterschool program. They took a 30-minute lesson from one of Millcreek's own Learn to Skate USA certified instructors.

On Jan. 14 and Jan. 21, a total of 80 fourth graders from Moss Elementary arrived at the Skate Loop. Split into two groups of 40, they learned about how the ice is made, how Zambonis work and created ice skating-related crafts off the ice. Each group also received a 30-minute lesson on the ice from Learn to Skate USA certified instructors.

"We would like to start a skating initiative here in Millcreek so that we can help more schools, more frequently," Wilner said. "We do have a Promise program that helps with some underfunded and other diverse groups as well. We tried to apply for the same [U.S. Figure Skating] grant this year but unfortunately didn't receive it. However, we were able to receive a different grant with the Utah Mammoth."

The Millcreek Commons Skate Loop is part of the new Millcreek City Center development, which includes City Hall; this is the fourth season of ice skating, which runs from mid-November through mid-March. In the summer and fall, roller skating is offered.

Ice skating is a favorite pastime in the Millcreek area. This season, the city hosted its winter-opening show over Thanksgiving week. More than 5,500 people attended the six shows (five sell-outs).

Wilner has also been working with Kadari Taylor-Watson, U.S. Figure Skating's director of community engagement, on promoting skating locally in the lead-up to the 2026 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in Salt Lake City in early March.

"I'm on a team in Salt Lake City and have a lot of love and passion for growing this community and growing the sport," Wilner said.