A young skater takes part in a past Tykes on Ice program. (Provided photo)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Civic Center announced last week that Hudson Headwaters Health Network will repeat its sponsorship of 30 public-skating sessions, provided free of charge.

Ten of those sessions will again be reserved for children ages 5 and under with their caregiver. The children’s series, “Tykes on Ice,” begins again Tuesday at the civic center, located at 213 Ampersand Ave. in Saranac Lake.

In addition to the Tykes on Ice program, Hudson Headwaters will sponsor 20 additional skating sessions throughout the season, 10 reserved for holidays and 10 for general skating. Its general skating series started on Sept. 24.

The first session in the Tykes on Ice program will be held from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. The next is Oct. 18. The full schedule will be available on the Saranac Lake Civic Center website and Facebook page. Preregistration to skate is required for each session.

“Continuing the Tykes on Ice series is a fun way for little community members to ease into ice skating when it’s less crowded,” Saranac Lake Civic Center’s Marnie Crane said. “The community responded really well to this program last year and we’re extremely grateful to Hudson Headwaters for responding so generously when we repeated our ask. Offering 30 hours of public skating for the community is a gift.”

Skate rentals for each session will be offered at $5 at the civic center’s pro shop.

“I am delighted to see Hudson Headwaters continue to invest in our communities and expand access to care,” said Dr. Sarah Thompson, who sees patients in Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. “We are fortunate to live in a region that embraces year-round exercise and quality time with family. As a hockey player at the civic center, I value this opportunity for families to learn to skate together, and to develop fun, lifelong healthy habits.”

Hudson Headwaters operates 25 health centers throughout the region, including Family Health at Lake Placid, located at 203 Old Military Road, Saranac Lake Family Health located in the Adirondack Medical Center and Tupper Lake Family Health.

The Saranac Lake Civic Center is looking for more opportunities to offer sponsored skating sessions. Individuals, businesses or organizations that would like to sponsor a skating session or enter other partnerships with the civic center are encouraged to email info@saranaclakeciviccenter.org.