"Ice skating probably developed in Scandinavia as early as
1000 BCE, the first skates being made from shank or rib bones of elk, oxen, reindeer, and other animals.
It is not known when the metal runner was introduced, but early Dutch prints depict skates with metal blades. Until the middle of the 19th century the metal portion of the skate was fastened to a wooden base or footplate and the whole of the skate was fastened to the foot with leather thongs or straps.
A major improvement came from the United States in 1850 when E.W. Bushnell of Philadelphia introduced the all-steel skate, which replaced the cumbersome wooden footplate."
Source: Britannica
The North Thompson Sportsplex is located in Clearwater, BC in the heart of Wells Gray Country in the beautiful interior of British Columbia, Canada. The complex provides local athletes and visitors alike a covered regulation-sized ice rink and associated locker room facilities and viewing platforms to practice and play upon wither covered in ice or dry floor (off-season). The complex is home to the Clearwater Minor Hockey Association, Raft Mountain Skating Club, Wells Gray Curling Club and a number of recreational adult hockey leagues.
The Ice Skating mural is one of three murals at the North Thompson Sportsplex. There are nine ice skaters on the ice two entering the rink fashioned on a nearby lake or pond. A young boy practicing his speed skating skill as two figure skaters rehearse their moves and spins. The three young girls are enjoying playing together on this crisp afternoon.