On hand to mark the opening of Westport Police Athletic League’s new ice skating season at Longshore Park are, from left: Bob Wickey, treasurer, Westport PAL; Tony Lantier, rink manager; Officer Craig Bergamo, president, Westport PAL; Officer Ned Batlin, a past president, Westport PAL; Sam Gault, president, Gault Energy; First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker; Vincent Penna Sr., owner, A.J. Penna and Son; retired Police Chief Al Fiore, a past president, Westport PAL; Deputy Police Chief Sam Arciola, a past president, Westport PAL; Jim Donaher, vice president, Gault Energy; retired Police Chief William Chiarenzelli, a past president, Westport PAL, and Police Chief Foti Koskinas. / Contributed photo

WESTPORT — There will be a “holiday on ice” in Westport this year, thanks to the Westport Police Athletic League.

And there’s a silver lining to the 2021-2022 season at the PAL ice rink in Longshore Park — the attraction is marking its 25th anniversary.

The rink is now open, officials announced Thursday, with a fresh coat of ice to help skaters glide into the holidays. 

The rink, operated with support from the town’s Parks and Recreation Department, is located at Longshore Park, 260 Compo Road South.

As is traditional, the PAL rink is open daily for open skate sessions for the public, as well as lessons scheduled through the Parks and Recreation Department. It also can be reserved for private functions.

Details about rink hours of operation, the events calendar and booking the facility for parties, can be found at the ice rink’s website.

Golden sunset silhouettes skaters at the Westport PAL ice rink during a previous season. / Photo, Westport PAL

Westport PAL, run by active and retired police officers and community volunteers, provides a range of athletic programs for more than 2,000 local youngsters, and also awards more than 25 undergraduate scholarships annually.

The facility first opened in 1997 as a small rink in the parking lot adjacent to the Inn at Longshore. After a successful inaugural season, boosted by contributions from donors, a larger rink with the current dimensions of 75 by 144 feet was installed for the fifth year of operations.

“I want to thank the ice rink’s staff as well as the PAL volunteers,” Police Chief Foti Koskinas said in a statement announcing the rink’s opening.

“Their hard work and dedication are the reasons the rink had been able to operate seamlessly for so many years.” 

For more information, call the Westport PAL ice rink at 203-226-7465.

Resurfacing the ice at Westport PAL’s rink in Longshore Park. / Photo, Westport PAL