Jersey Shore Magazine

18 J e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 2 3 Sledding & Ice Skating at the Jersey Shore Sledding Last year's snow-drought not- withstanding, the Jersey Shore is typically privy to a hefty dose of the white stuff turning the region into a winter wonderland. The view of snow-capped beaches bordered by the churning sea is breathtaking, but doesn't provide many sledding oppor- tunities. For those, you have to head a bit inland where great sledding spots can be found. Numerous golf courses and cemeteries offer exciting rides on a sled or saucer, but since most are privately owned, you may get shooed away. The following areas are legitimate spots to safely enjoy sleigh-riding thrills. Two of New Jersey's state parks permit sledding—Cheesequake State Park in Matawan and Monmouth Battlefield in Manalapan. Both are open from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM and offer free parking and restrooms. Two Monmouth County parks also allow sledding when two or more inches of snow are on the ground. The most popular is Holmdel Park, which provides a warming fire and hot chocolate, along with restrooms, to make the event more special and comfortable. Park hours are 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday. Wolf Hill in Oceanport also sanctions sledding on its open fields, but has limited parking and no restrooms. It is open 7:00 AM until dusk. A steep hill across the street from Oak Glen Park in Howell, between the library and the police depart- ment, provides long, fast rides. There is parking at the recreation building and at the library at the bottom of the hill. With a flatter topography, Ocean County has fewer good sledding spots. Small children will enjoy the short rides on the slight slope at Windward Beach in Brick. There is plenty of free parking and restrooms. The park is open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Ice Skating Places to enjoy another favor- ite winter activity, ice skating, are easier to locate in our area. Again, Monmouth County parks provide several options to take a spin on the ice. Outdoor rinks can be found at Holmdel Park, Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold, and Shark River Park in Wall. All Monmouth County parks offer free parking, but Shark River may not have access to restrooms. Hours vary so it is best to call or check the website. The Red Bank Armory was built in 1914 for the National Guard and was converted to an ice rink in 1998. It has two indoor rinks, skate rent- als, and lessons. Public skate hours vary, and they offer youth and adult hockey leagues. A pro-shop offers skate sharpening in addition to items available for purchase. An arcade and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also available. Howell Ice Arena in Farmingdale opened in late 2010. Two indoor rinks provide public skating hours, lessons, a special needs learn-to-skate program, and various hockey leagues. They have a pro-shop, rentals, a restaurant, snack bar, and a Rapid Shot shooting facility for hockey practice. Call or check the website for public skate hours and for party/ event information. Jersey Shore Arena in Wall Township combines skating with laser tag. Laser tag occupies the first floor, and the three indoor ice rinks are visible from the upstairs viewing platform. They also have an arcade, a pro-shop, rentals, a restaurant, and a snack stand. The public skating schedule is available online. Located in Avon's Volunteer Park, the Avon Pond has been open to the general public for skating since early 2011. The rink is maintained by vol- Red Bank Armory Ice Complex. Holmdel Park. facebook.com/MonmouthCountyParks facebook.com/redbankarmory

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