Our History
SQSA Parade has been a part of the Minneapolis skating community for over two decades. Founded in 1993 by Page Lipe—an international master-rated coach with more than 40 years of experience—the program began as a small, passionate training academy and has grown into one of the Twin Cities’ largest skating programs. After Page retired, longtime assistant director Raleigh Weld stepped into the role of SQSA Parade Director. Raleigh spent 20+ years working with Page to grow and develop SQSA Parade into the program that it is today.
Based at Parade Ice Garden, a beloved year-round Minneapolis facility, SQSA offers a positive and challenging environment for skaters of all levels—from recreational athletes progressing through ISI testing to competitive skaters training and competing within the United States Figure Skating structure. We are committed to meeting our athletes where they’re at in their skating journey. SQSA is here to support our skaters with exceptional coaching and all of the on ice and off ice training resources needed to achieve their individual goals. As a program it is our collective goal to build a legacy of skill, dedication, community, and the learning — both on and off the ice.
Our Philosophy
We believe that skating is for everyone. Whether you're stepping on the ice for the first time or training toward your next competition, you deserve great coaching, a supportive environment, and the joy of movement.
Our coaches guide each skater with technical expertise and genuine encouragement — helping them build not just skating skills, but confidence, discipline, and a love for the sport that lasts a lifetime.
At SQSA Parade, you're not just joining a program. You're joining a family.
What Sets Us Apart
Our coaching philosophy is built on three core principles that guide everything we do.
Excellence
We hold ourselves and our skaters to high standards — always striving for improvement, personal bests, and the thrill of growth on the ice.
Community
Skating is better together. We foster genuine friendships, celebrate every milestone, and rally behind every skater at every level.
Joy
Above all, skating should bring joy. We cultivate a love of the ice that goes far beyond competition and lasts a lifetime.
Our Home: Parade Ice Garden
Our home — Parade Ice Garden — is one of Minneapolis's most treasured public skating facilities. Nestled in Parade Park near downtown, it offers year-round ice and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that draws families, beginners, and competitive skaters alike.
From seasonal ice shows that fill the stands with cheering families, to quiet early-morning practice sessions, Parade Ice Garden is where memories are made and champions are built.
Come visit us — the ice is always fresh and the welcome is always warm.
Notable Skaters
SQSA Parade is proud to have helped many skaters achieve their goals — on the ice and beyond. We have produced countless US Figure Skating (USFS) Gold Medalists, Ice Sports Industry (ISI) Freestyle 8, 9, & 10 skaters, USFS National and International competitors, professional skaters touring with shows like Disney on Ice and Willy Bietak Productions, USFS Technical Specialists, and professional skating Coaches over the past 30+ years. We are so proud that many of our skaters continue to stay involved in the skating world after they graduate high school and / or college!