LONG VALLEY, NJ — The holiday season may be over, but winter is still in full swing. So, sharpen your skates, grab your coats, and head to Palmer Park, where the outdoor ice skating rink is now open once again.
Long Valley is getting a small taste of winter weather, and it may continue. Local forecaster Steven DiMartino, head of the private NY NJ PA Weather consulting company, predicts “plenty of opportunity” for snowstorms as January transitions into February.
“The cold air isn’t going away anytime soon,” DiMartino said. Using models and predictions, he said that cold air will keep pushing from the polar vortex into the eastern U.S., which is important for snow.
In recent years, warmer temperatures have dominated most of the winter months, limiting the number of days the rink could be used. However, this week, township officials announced that the rink is open and ready for use.
Residents are still encouraged to check the “Skating Rink Closed/Open” sign in Palmer’s driveway to confirm if the rink is open to the public.
Palmer Park, located on Bartley Road and Palmer Place in Long Valley, features three softball fields, one Babe Ruth field, four little league fields, and three all-purpose fields, as well as a walking trail and a community garden. The ice skating rink was installed on the infield of one of the park’s baseball fields.
The rink is open for general ice skating only, with no hockey allowed, according to officials. Residents are also asked to park in the lower lot and access the rink through the dugout and fencing.
Officials said that all children must be accompanied by an adult.
