It may not be a Currier and Ives-Hans Brinker nod to calendar-quality nostalgia, but if you’re looking for an urban ice-skating experience, go no further than Bayonne High School.
The rink was built back in the Dennis Collins administration. “He wanted to provide a winter recreational opportunity for people in Bayonne,” says Tom Jacobson, who may have the most cover-all-the-bases title of all time: Bayonne Board of Education’s director of health, physical education, community education, vocational, nurses, and ice rink.
After a number of locations were considered, the quadrangle behind the tennis courts at Bayonne High School was selected, and the Richard Korpi Ice Rink opened in 1986.
Some three decades later, time started to take its toll. “As age and the program continued to move on, little problems started to occur,” Jacobson says. “We took the rink down for graduation each year. Constantly taking it down and up created problems.” He cites leaks in the pipes which prevented the coolant from freezing water to make ice. Eventually, the Board of Education made the decision to renovate the rink. Improvements included new rubber matting around the outside of the rink, new dashboards, energy-efficient lighting, and fresh paint.
The new and improved rink opened in early December 2015.
It continues to offer a wide range of programs for students and the community. See the accompanying box for a list.—Kate Rounds
Korpi Ice Rink
669 Avenue A
Youth Hockey Program
Travel Hockey
There are several programs for youngsters, ages 4-17, that will teach players the basic skills of hockey and give them the opportunity to participate in a youth hockey league. Youngsters must supply their own equipment consisting of USA-hockey-approved helmets with facemasks or shields, sticks, skates, pads, and socks.
Program Dates
February 2016
For registration or further information, visit bayonnehockey.com
Bayonne Board of Education will sponsor an Ice Hockey Pee Wee team and Middle School Hockey team for Bayonne Public School Students in grades 4 through 8.
For further information please visit bayonnehockey.com
Bayonne Blades Skate School
Figure Skating and Beginner Hockey
USFS Group Ice Skating Instruction and Freestyle Sessions
Classes meet on Tuesdays and Fridays. For further information please contact co-directors Donna Liana and Danielle Sullivan at bayonneblades@gmail.com or call (201) 437-8602.
2016
Public Skating Sessions
Friday 5:45-7 p.m.
Saturday 2:15-3:30 p.m. and 6:45-8 p.m.
Sunday 2-3:15 p.m.
On rare occasions, High School Hockey will preempt the public session.
Additional Skate Dates for 2016 Open for Public Skating
Monday, Feb. 15
Group Rentals
Community groups and hockey teams may rent the facilities. The fee is $285/hour for Bayonne groups, $325/hour for NJ groups, and $355/hour for out-of-state groups. Call (201) 858-5850 or email lcarroll@bboed.org for more information.
No smoking. Alcoholic beverages or drugs are not permitted in the center or on school property at any time.
Holiday Closings
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, and Easter.
Bayonne Public Skating Fee Schedule
Resident children and seniors with valid ID, $3 per person, $45, 20-session discount book
Resident adults with valid ID, $5 per person, $75, 20-session discount book
Out of town rate $6 per person
Skate rental $4 per person
Residents must present their ID cards upon entering the center.
Running or walking track is open to Bayonne residents only (must show residency card). Monday through Friday 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon except during High School hockey games. (Children under 18 must be accompanied by adult.)
Free Learn to Play Hockey
(Bayonne residents only)
Saturdays 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Free Learn to Skate
(Bayonne residents only)
Sundays 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Korpi Special Skaters Program
For individuals with a developmental disability who want to learn to skate.
Saturdays 12:45-1:45 p.m.