Fitness * Beginner * Artistic *

Approaching Palm Springs from the north on Interstate 10, take the Highway 111 exit just past San Gorgonio Pass. Follow Highway 111 nearly 10 miles to Palm Springs and down Palm Canyon Drive toward downtown. About three-quarters of a mile past Vista Chino Road (where Highway 111 makes a turn to the left), turn left on Tamarisk Road and drive six blocks to Ruth Hardy Park on the left. Turn in and park at the first lot. Approaching from the south on Interstate 10, exit at Ramon Road in Thousand Palms and drive west for about seven miles (passing through Cathedral City) to Indian Canyon Drive. Turn right and proceed north for three-quarters of a mile to Tamarisk Road. Turn right and drive to the park six blocks up. Map: Palm Springs Bicycle Touring Guide, available from the Community Recreational Services, 401 South Pavilion Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262; or by calling (619) 323-8272.

Although small, Ruth Hardy Park is a perfect spot for first-time skaters. It's totally flat, and the sidewalks are a generous eight-foot-wide swath bordered by lawn. Leafy shade trees have grown quite tall here; however, the park is new enough to have sidewalks paved with the perfect pink concrete that is now standard in the Palm Springs area. At the west end of the park, the sidewalk makes a complete loop that is big enough to accommodate lap skaters looking for an aerobic workout. At the east end, it borders both Tamarisk Road and Caballeros Avenue but doesn't make a loop. This is good for beginners because faster skaters will most likely be on the other side of the park or, for that matter, skating elsewhere in the city. Picnic spots, rest rooms, tennis courts, and playgrounds are provided.