Westport PAL Ice Skating Rink Celebrates 25th Anniversary
(L-R): Bob Wickey (Treasurer, Westport PAL), Tony Lantier (Rink Manager), Officer Craig Bergamo (President, Westport PAL), Officer Ned Batlin (Past President, Westport PAL), Sam Gault (President, Gault Energy), First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Vincent Penna Sr. (Owner, AJ Penna and Son), Retired Police Chief Al Fiore (Past President, Westport PAL), Deputy Police Chief Sam Arciola (Past President, Westport PAL), Jim Donaher (Vice President, Gault Energy), Retired Police Chief William Chiarenzelli (Past President, Westport PAL), Police Chief Foti Koskinas. Contributed photoWestport Police DepartmentThe Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) is excited to announce that the PAL Rink at Longshore just commenced its 25th year in operation. Each winter since 1997, with the support of the Westport Parks and Recreation Department, the Westport PAL has operated a family skating rink at Longshore Park.
The Westport PAL was established in 1948 and is one of Westport’s oldest youth organizations. The Westport PAL continues to blaze a trail with many outstanding youth programs such as football, cheerleading, and basketball. Even though the PAL knew its sporting programs were second to none, the organization wanted to do more for the community. They strived to create a place where families and friends could come together to enjoy some outdoor winter fun. An ice rink seemed like the perfect way to accomplish that goal. Through the tireless work of PAL volunteers, the ice rink became a reality.
During its first year of operation, the PAL erected a small ice rink in the parking lot adjacent to the Longshore Inn. However, based on this rink’s success and the financial contributions of some very generous donors a larger rink was purchased. During its fifth year in operation the rink was expanded to its current size of 75’ by 144’.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas commented that he could not be happier with the rink’s success. “First and foremost, I want to thank the ice rink’s staff as well as the PAL volunteers. Their hard work and dedication are the reasons the rink had been able to operate seamlessly for so many years.” First Selectwoman Jen Tooker added that, “It is wonderful to see friends and families skating at the rink and there is little doubt that it will continue to be a popular winter destination for the next twenty-five years.”
The PAL Rink at Longshore has so much to offer. There is public skating, and the rink can also be reserved for private parties. Additionally, skating lessons are offered.
Please join us in celebrating the PAL Rink at Longshore’s 25th anniversary!
For more information about the PAL Rink at Longshore please go to: https://www.wpalrink.com