When cold weather sets in, bears are not the only ones that go into hibernation. Many humans tend to hunker down and tuck in for the long winter. Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joseph D. Muscarella suggested that this year, maybe it’s time to get outside and take part in some winter fun…like ice skating. For Town of Oyster Bay residents, the outdoor ice skating season will start the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 25, at the Marjorie R. Post (Massapequa) and Syosset-Woodbury Community Park ice rinks.
“The 2011-2012 outdoor ice skating season will run through the end of February 2012, weather permitting,” Muscarella stated. “Town residents can, once again, enjoy this popular winter sport at prices that make it a great value for your recreation dollar.”
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 resident groups for $200 per first hour and $100 for each additional half hour. Non-resident groups can rent the rinks for $300 for the first hour and $150 for each additional half 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.
Muscarella noted 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 simply as fun, but it also provides a terrific aerobic workout, as well as strengthening our lower body muscles and improving our endurance, coordination, balance and flexibility, as well as giving us a healthy dose of fresh air in the process,” Muscarella 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 ice 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, break out of your hibernation, 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 for those who would prefer to do their ice skating indoors, the state-of-the-art Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at Bethpage Community Park, is open year round. For information on that facility, visit the town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com or call the rink at 433-RINK (7465).
