It’s spring time in Texas and summer is quicklyapproaching. What better way to escape thanon a 210-foot patch of ice?For only $9, the general public can rent skates andhit up ICE at the Parks at Arlington, an Olympicsizeskating rink.Open for interested skaters, birthday parties,skating lessons and hockey leagues, the rink,which is located in The Parks mall, has become alocal staple for youth and adult time-killing.Of course, for some, moving on ice with bladesattached to their feet might seem like a foreignor even intimidating concept.No need to worry. The ice is occupied byskaters of varying skill. It has got the standardWildlife on the trails is hit or miss depending onthe time of day you arrive. If you reach the trailsbefore 9 a.m., the odds of seeing deer are a littlebit higher, and for the most part the animals donot scare easily. This is not advocating walkingup next to the wildlife in a Ghillie Suit, but if youare quiet, you could spot a small fawn.If you are a fan of bird-watching, some hawksdrift overhead throughout the day, giving anotherpeaceful addition to the trail. The crowningmoment of wildlife searching at the trails is thebison preserve in the Nature Center.A few hours spent away from the sounds of thecity is all it takes to find tranquility in the harshreality of the daily grind, and Canyon Ridge Trailis the place to find that peace of mind.8212; Marcus MurphreeThe snack bar selection is normal for an entertainmentcenter, but at $2 a hotdog, you maywant to bring your own food.Outside, the miniature golf course is very cute,with statues of zoo animals and fun colors.The 54 holes don’t list a par, so those whoenjoy the challenge of trying to sink their ballin a lower than average number of shots willinstead have to be content with competingfor the lowest score among their friends. Eachhole is also somewhat shorter than an averageminiature golf course, so if you’re lookingto prolong a date, you may want to playmultiple games.wall-huggers, the “Hey, look I can do it now”skaters, double axel semi-pros and every typein between.Young girls with shiny, new white skates andburly men with intimidating hockey contraptionsstrapped to their feet can be seen at the rink.ICE at The Parks offers a cheap answer to boringThursday nights. From 7-8 p.m. every Thursday,the rink has “Cheap Skate.” For $5 a couple getsadmission, skates and, hopefully, a good time.Skating is not the only way to have fun at therink. Several youth and adult hockey leagues callit their home and everyone is invited to watch.It doesn’t get much better than stubborn dadson ice in an amateur hockey league … at leastthat’s the rink’s staff consensus.With so much to do on the ice, it’s almost notfair that outside of its Plexiglas walls is a land ofshopping, food and additional entertainment.Too cold from the ice? Grab a hot pretzel or asteaming cup of coffee. A little tired from anintense skate around the rink? Check out what’splaying at the mall’s movie theater.It all boils down to people having a relaxing andfun time participating in something that theyprobably don’t do too often if at all.