For a great way to have winter fun and get some serious exercise in the process, few activities compare to ice skating. For Town of Oyster Bay residents, the outdoor ice skating season will start the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 26, at the Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa) and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park ice rinks, according to Town Councilman Joseph G. Pinto.
“The 2010-2011 ice skating season will run through the end of February 2011, weather permitting,” Pinto stated. “Town residents can, once again, enjoy this popular winter sport at prices that make it a great value for your recreation dollar.
“The town has made a number of improvements to both rinks,” the councilman continued. “The rinks, themselves, both have new, upgraded dasher board systems. The restrooms in the skate houses have been updated, and the Marjorie R. Post skate house has new high-efficiency doors and windows, as well as new flooring.”
General admission for Oyster Bay Town residents for two-hour public skating sessions at both rinks will be $2 for ages two to four, $4 for ages five through 17, $5 for ages 18 and older, and $2 for senior citizens 60 and older and town volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police with identification. For non-town residents, the general admission will be $2 for ages two to four, $7 for ages five to 17, $8 for ages 18 and older, and $4 for seniors. Both Oyster Bay Town resident and non-town resident children under two will be admitted free. Special discount books consisting of 10 tickets will be available. A discount book for ages five to 17 years will be $30 for Oyster Bay Town residents and $55 for non-town residents. A book for ages 18 and older will be $35 for Oyster Bay Town residents and $65 for non-town residents.
In addition, ice rinks may be rented by groups for $175 per first hour. Charters will be available when public sessions are not scheduled. Requests for group charters can be scheduled by calling the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center at 433-7465 ext. 206.
Pinto added that the skate shop will be open during all public sessions for renting skates at $3 per pair per session. Discount books for skate rentals will be available for $25.
“Most of us think of ice skating as simply fun, but it also provides a terrific aerobic workout, as well as strengthening our muscles, improving our endurance, coordination and balance, and giving us a healthy dose of fresh air in the process,” Pinto commented. “Opening day also gives everyone a chance to burn off some of those extra calories consumed on Thanksgiving. And don’t let age or perceived lack of athletic ability deter you from skating. You’ll see people of all ages and ability levels at the rinks. So, if you’re looking for some great family entertainment that provides fun and outdoor exercise, take a spin at the Syosset-Woodbury or Marjorie R. Post Community Park ice rink and enjoy the quintessential winter experience of outdoor ice skating.”
The councilman added that the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at Bethpage Community Park, features a year-round, indoor ice rink. For information on that facility, visit the town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com or call the rink at 433-RINK (7465).
