The Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink officially opens for the 2018-19 season on Sunday, Sept. 9 with an exciting “Characters on Ice” event.
Including free admission, for residents and non-residents alike, everyone is welcome to attend the Synchro Clinic, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Bruins FUN-damental Hockey Clinic, 12 to 1 p.m. and the Skate School/public session, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Come early because you won’t want to miss out on the “Characters on Ice” public session, where you can skate with characters such as Cinderella, Captain Hook, Elsa and many more. There will be music, disco lighting and Learn-to-Skate giveaways.
In addition to skating with your favorite characters, including the Great Neck Park District mascot, Parker, make sure to meet Skate School Director Joelle Forte, who has an impressive resume (U.S. National and International competitor, an Eastern Sectional champion, 5-time North Atlantic Regional champion, Skate America competitor, Team USA, USFS registered coach, USPS & PSA member and a USFS Regional, Sectional and Junior National coach), and Grant Marshall who returns this season as Bruins Hockey Director of Player and Coach Development. Grant is a former two-time NHL champion/Stanley Cup winner (1999 and 2003). He will be working with both the travel and in-house Bruins programs at practices and games and offers clinics to the hockey players, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with the teams. Coaches and staff will be on hand to help answer questions about the skating and hockey programs and private lessons.
If you skate for recreation, exercise or are a competitive skater, you will love the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink because it has the best ice on Long Island and boasts one of the largest municipal skate programs on Long Island. The Park District has their rink painted by Jet Ice, the same company the NHL teams use. The end result is a brighter, more professional ice surface. Continuing to provide a variety of recreational activities for skaters of all ages and levels, with programs that are fun for the whole family, the district takes pride in their professional staff who teach the Learn-to-Skate curriculum. Offering private and group lessons for both adults and children, classes for youngsters with their parents, beginners through advanced, there is something for everyone at the best prices. For the more advanced skater looking for extra practice time, Freestyle sessions are available. Those interested, can join the Synchronized Skate or hockey programs. There is a beginner Synchronized Skate team (ages 6-9) in which skaters can learn the basics. For more advanced skaters (ages 7-12), two travel teams are available which requires a tryout. The in-house Bruins FUN-damental Hockey program caters to children between the ages of 5 and 12, who would like to learn ice hockey in a stress-free, fun environment. No experience is necessary. There is also a travel hockey program that requires skaters to tryout. Every Friday is Teen Night from 8 to 10 p.m. Teens can have fun on or off the ice, while enjoying music and special disco lighting; all with adult supervision. Additionally, the heated lounge offers a snack bar with a wide selection of foods and snacks to choose from, television and WiFi. You may also arrange a child’s birthday party at the rink by calling 516-487-7665.
Check out the Parkwood Sports Pro Shop, right next to the lounge, for your skating needs. Open year round, they provide professional skate sharpening, skates, apparel, protective gear and more. Call the Pro Shop at (516) 570-2640.
There are Rink Pass options for residents who utilize the rink often throughout the season. An adult resident with a current park card can purchase a Season Pass for only $200. The Season Pass is offered for families, adults, children and seniors. Also reasonably-priced is the 10-Session Pass. Call (516) 487-2976 for more information about the skating programs and admission fees.
Join the Park District on Sept. 9 at the Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink, 65 Arrandale Ave. in Great Neck. Be a part of the Great Neck Park District “team!”