Go figure

Watch out, Rockefeller Center. For the second consecutive year, Pershing Square in downtown L.A. is offering snow-deprived Angelenos a rare winter pleasure. Yes, it’s temporary. And, yes, it’s set beneath palm trees. But crowds are flocking to “Downtown on Ice,” the city’s only open-air ice-skating rink, sponsored by the L.A. Kings and the Department of Parks & Recreation (and open every day until Jan. 17). We spoke to several skaters on a recent Saturday afternoon, with the rink temperature set to 19 degrees and the air temperature at 64.

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Stephanie Vejar, 9, of Los Angeles.

Skate size: Men’s 3. Pro status: First time. Ever seen real snow? No. Judge’s marks: “I held onto the railing at first. It’s my dream to be a professional ice skater--to be the best one. I want to take skating lessons. This is fun!” Tip: “I close my eyes and put my arms out.”

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Lionel McGloin, 2, and his father,

Tommy McGloin, 36, of Santa Monica.

Skate size: Toddler 10 for Lionel; men’s 10 for Tommy. Pro status: Lionel’s first time; Tommy: “I’m from Staten Island and started skating when I was my son’s age--I had double runners.” Favorite ice skater: Lionel: “Da-da.” Can L.A. host a Winter Olympics now? “No, but we could use some imagination.”# Judges’ marks: Lionel: “It’s good, but I fell down when I was walking on the ice.” Tommy: “It’s less crowded than Rockefeller Center, a little less glamorous, and there’s no pretense. It’s great for the children, and the sun feels great!” Tip: Tommy: “Don’t look down at your skates.”

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Nicole Lindsay, 11, and Aniya

Springer, 11, of Los Angeles

Skate size: Men’s 6 for Nicole; men’s 8 for Aniya. Pro status: Some previous skating. Favorite ice skater: Aniya: Kristi Yamaguchi and Tara Lipinski. Ever seen real snow? Nicole, yes. Aniya, no. Judge’s marks: Nicole: “We’re best, best friends. I’m not very good at ice-skating, so I’m learning from her.” Tip: Aniya: “It’s like roller-blading. You have to lean forward to go faster.”

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Peggy Bayles, 49, of Downey.

Skate size: Men’s 8. Pro status: First skated when 3 years old. Favorite ice skater: Peggy Fleming. Judge’s marks: “It’s a lot colder in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where I’m from. But this is nice--it’s all smooth. It’s easier here, really. Skating on a lake, you have to watch out for big chunks of ice.” Tip: “Use your upper body to balance you out.”

Deconstructing

Ice rink 50 feet wide, 90 feet long, 2 inches thick.

Ice technician Turk Kornegay formed the ice in 36 hours, placing aluminum panels under the rink and running glycol through a chiller that continuously cools the floor.

Junior Zamboni (a.k.a. “zambini”) machine cleans ice between sessions: In 15 minutes it shaves off top layer and pours on hot L.A. city water; in 15 more minutes, water freezes and sets.

Approximately 800 skaters attend per weekend day.

No more than 195 people may skate at one time.

Forward skating only, in direction determined by the rink guards; jumps and camel spins strongly discouraged.

$6 per skating session (one hour); $2 for skate rental.

Large hot chocolate costs $2.25; blended mocha iced drink starts at $3.25.

Downtown on Ice, (213) 847-4970