Press

MINEOLA, NY, December 28, 2009 -- You can glide, whirl and twirl and jump throughout the winter on ice ponds or indoor rinks, on the “Island of Possibilities,” Nassau County, N.Y.

Whether you’re a novice, intermediate or an excellent skater, you’ll be able to test your skills -- and improve them -- at one of Nassau’s many ice venues, all are easily accessible from anywhere in the metropolitan region.

Ice skating is an ideal activity for families, friends or couples and most venues provide skate rentals and are open into the evening.

Outdoor ice skating rinks are in such parks as Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills; Grant Park in Hewlett; Bethpage Community Park in Bethpage; Marjorie Post-Massapequa Park in Massapequa and Syosset-Woodbury Park in Syosset. There’s also The Rink at RXR Plaza in Uniondale; Prefer indoor rinks? Many are available throughout Nassau County, too.

Here’s where you can find ice time:

Bethpage Community Park
1001 Stewart Ave.
Bethpage
516-433-7465
www.oysterbaytown.com

A brand new, state-of-the-art, indoor facility. General admission for two-hour public skating sessions is $3 for ages 5 through 17, $4 for ages 18 and older, and $1 for senior citizens 60 and older, volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police with identification. Children under 4 admitted free. Special discount books consisting of 10 tickets will also be available. Pro shop open during all public sessions. Skate rental $3.

Cantiague Park
1 W. John St., east of Cantiague Rock Road
Hicksville
516-571-7056

Cantiague’s indoor ice skating rink is used by recreational skaters and hockey teams. The rink has played host to Olympic gold medalists, such as Nancy Kerrigan, who performed there in 2004, and was the New York Islanders practice facility from 1979 to 1992. Skating lessons are available, as is a skate rental. The rink also has a snack bar and bleacher seating. A fee is charged at the rink.

Christopher Morley Park
Searingtown Road
Roslyn, NY 11576
516-571-8113

Christopher Morley’s outdoor ice skating rink, a community fixture since 1966, is among the region’s best outdoor skating rinks, according to News12 Long Island. The facility, which is 200-feet by 80-feet, is used by recreational skaters and hockey teams. Group and private lessons are available; skate rentals are also available. The rink remains open through mid-March, 2010. 

Fees (daily): Resident adult with Leisure Pass, $7; resident teenager 13-17 years of age with Leisure Pass, $5; resident child 12 and under accompanied by adult with Leisure Pass, $5; senior, disabled, vol. firefighter, ambulance corps, auxiliary police, veterans with Leisure Pass, $4; adult without Leisure Pass, $14, child without Leisure Pass, $10. Skate rentals are available for $5.

Grant Park
Broadway and Sheridan Ave.
Hewlett, NY 11557

The Grant Park ice skating rink remains open through March 2010. Skating lessons, ice charters for groups, hockey game rentals and private rentals are also available. Resident adult with Leisure Pass, $7; resident teenager 13-17 years of age with Leisure Pass, $5; resident child 12 and unaccompanied by adult with Leisure Pass, $5; senior, disabled, vol. firefighter, ambulance corps, auxiliary police, veterans with Leisure Pass, $4; adult without Leisure Pass, $14, child without Leisure Pass, $10. Skate rentals are available for $5.

Hempstead Lake State Park
Southern State Parkway Exit 18S
West Hempstead

Ice skating is permitted in the park on McDonald Pond when approved by park manager

Iceland Skating Rink
3345 Hillside Ave.
New Hyde Park
www.icelandli.com

Home to the Metropolitan Figure Skating Club, the oldest figure skating club on Long Island. See web site for public sessions times. Adults $7, 10 and under $6. Skate rental $4.

Ice Works
175 Underhill Blvd
Syosset
www.iceworksli.com

The official practice facility of the New York Islanders, Iceworks features two ice surfaces, a brand new soft court, instructional staff, hosts its own in-house children's league. Home to the LI Freestyle. No rentals. Limited pubic sessions. Pro shop.

Long Beach Ice Arena
150 West Bay Drive
Long Beach
516-431-6500
www.longbeachny.org

Adult residents $5, non-residents $8; child resident $3, non-resident $6; senior citizen resident$3, non-resident $5. Skate rentals $4.

Marjorie R. Post Community Park
Unqua and Merrick Roads
Massapequa
516-797-7990
www.oysterbaytown.com

Outdoor rink.  General admission for two-hour public skating sessions is $3 for ages 5 through 17, $4 for ages 18 and older, and $1 for senior citizens 60 and older, volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police with identification. Children under 4 admitted free. Special discount books consisting of 10 tickets will also be available.  Pro shop open during all public sessions. Skate rental $3.

Newbridge Arena
2600 Newbridge Road
Bellmore
516-783-6181
www.newbridgearena.com

Indoor skating. General Admission: $7.50, town of Hempstead residents $6.50; town of Hempstead Park District resident $5.50.  Seniors, fire, police, handicap, volunteer ambulance, military: $3.25; non-resident seniors $3.75. Skate rental $3.50

Parkwood Ice Skating Rink
65 Arrandale Ave
Great Neck
516-487-2975
www.greatneckparks.org

Indoor rink. Snack bar. Skate shop. Lessons and youth hockey. Adult $7, child $5, seniors $5; non-resident adult/senior $10, non-resident child $6.

Port Washington Skating Center
70 Seaview Blvd.
Port Washington
516-484-6800
www.pwskating.com

Indoor rink. Admission (all ages) $7. Skate rental $4.

Syosset-Woodbury Community Park
7800 Jericho Turnpike
Woodbury
516-677-5990
www.oysterbaytown.com

Outdoor rink. General admission for two-hour public skating sessions is $3 for ages 5 through 17, $4 for ages 18 and older, and $1 for senior citizens 60 and older, volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police with identification. Children under 4 admitted free. Special discount books consisting of 10 tickets will also be available. Pro shop open during all public sessions. Skate rental $3.

RXR Plaza
(formerly DeMatteis Pavilion Ice Rink at EAB Plaza)
164 EAB Plaza
Uniondale, NY 11556

Located at RXR Plaza, across from Nassau Coliseum, this beautifully decorated, seasonal rink provides the perfect setting for outdoor skating for families and small groups, as well as couples seeking a great outdoor activity. Adults $8. Children under 10 $5, Skate rental $3.50 Holiday fun packs available. Rentals and refreshments available.

About Nassau County

Nassau County, The Island of Possibilities, is an easy day trip from almost anywhere in the New York metropolitan area. But with many hotels in Nassau County offering special winter rates, why not book a room for a mid-winter retreat. Many area hotels have indoor pools and other amenities.

Nassau County, The Island of Possibilities, is home to world-class shopping, restaurants, and museums as well as top-notch hotels, Gold Coast mansions, quaint villages and spectacular surfing, fishing and boating. There are many hiking trails, public gardens, bike paths and plenty of free and near-free events and attractions all year long. Nassau County has something for everyone and whether you come for the day or stay overnight, you will find Nassau County wonderfully accessible and affordable.