Greenport Village Raises Ice Rink Fees

The rates are going up, but customers will be able to use their credit cards to pay for the higher prices.

At Monday's village board meeting, the Greenport Village Board voted to raise prices at the ice rink, according to Mayor David Nyce, because he said it is very labor-intensive to run the rink and to repair skates. Nyce said the ice rink programs are very successful, but the costs to repair the skates are high. The mayor said they are encouraging users to bring their own skates when possible to help defray the costs and he said the ice rink will accept credit cards this year.

“We’re trying to, at least, break even with the program,” Nyce said.

Village administrator David Abatelli said that the price to rent the skates was the  greatest increase but the costs are necessary.

“It is in line with other places that rent skates,” Abatelli said.

Abatelli said the village was replacing skates as they become unusable and also are looking to address skate loss through the season. A rise in price for birthday parties was also necessary because of the rising cost of food, Abatelli said.

The village is also introducing season passes this year, a move Abatelli said was requested by many of the frequent users. In the long run, the season pass will be cheaper for people who use the rink every weekend, he said.

Even though Abatelli said the ice rink did well financially last year, it is expensive to set up and the ongoing electric bills for refrigeration are costly. Other village properties like the Mitchell Park Marina and the carousel actually earn enough money to pay for themselves and turn a profit for the village.

“We’re trying to have the ice pay for itself,” he said.

The hockey program is successful but the village only receives a small percentage from it, Abatelli said. This year hockey players and participants in the skating school will be required to pay for a season pass to participate.

The prices changes for the 2011-2012 season are:

•          Friday Family nights from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. will cost $7 and includes skate rental. This is up from $5.
•        Birthday parties will cost $250 for 12 guests, which is up from $225 from last year.
•       Admission for seniors and those under 18 will go to $7 on weekends and holidays. Last year it was $6.
•     Skate rentals are now $5 instead of $2.
•     Season passes are $80 for adults and $50 for seniors and children under 18. Children enrolled in the hockey program and skate school will pay half-price for a season pass.

Abatelli said he hopes the ice rink is operational by Thanksgiving weekend but it really depends on the weather. Regardless, he said the village plans to have the rink set up and ready to go for the holiday.