Beginner *

From State Highway 99, take the Pinedale/Herndon Avenue exit and head east on Herndon. Seven and a half miles out, just before you reach the intersection with State Highway 41 (you can see it a block away), take a left on Blackstone Avenue. One mile north, Blackstone curves to the right to pass under Highway 41; at that point it becomes Friant Road. Proceed about 1.5 miles on Friant to Shepherd Road and turn right. Turn right again about a mile to the east, onto Millbrook. One long block down on the right, wide Cedar Street marks the northern border of the park. Turn right and make a U-turn to park on the curb next to the park on Cedar.

Beginning in-liners, rent some skates and bring them to Keith Tice Memorial Park. You'd think it was designed with you in mind; it's a great spot for those first tentative strokes. The very smooth concrete sidewalks are eight feet wide and bordered by cushiony green grass. Practice rolling right off the sidewalk and making a running or rolling grass stop. And, even if you have to do it deliberately (because you never plan to do it by accident), make a test fall forward on your padded hands and knees. That will build up a little trust in your gear and inject a little confidence into your skating. The loop of this sidewalk circles near the perimeter of the park, making a "rink" about three-quarters of a mile in length. You'll see several workout stations next to the path along the way. Ignore them; you have enough on your plate for now. Another section of sidewalk will bring you closer to the kiddie sandlot in the middle of the park, but stay away, because the sand can be quite slippery, as well as bad news for your bearings. The small park is clean and well maintained, with picnic tables; just across the street you can see West Clovis High School, which is officially off-limits to skaters, though you'll see 'em there anyway. If you're here after school hours and can cross Millbrook Street safely, do it and explore this campus's vast parking lot and expanses of concrete. If you're asked to leave, just be very polite and go.