Temperatures finally took a dip as December began, just in time to coincide with the opening of the outdoor skating rinks at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills. The rinks, part of the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, are open seven days a week through mid-March, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.

The Christopher Morley rink offers three two-hour day sessions, seven days a week, beginning at 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m. and one two-hour session evenings on Friday and Saturday beginning at 8:30 p.m. and Thursday and Sunday at 6:45 p.m. Christopher Morley is a 98-acre park located on Searingtown Road (Exit 6, north of the LIE). In addition to the rink, the park includes a large, modern playground; basketball, handball and tennis courts; baseball fields; a 9-hole golf course; heavily wooded nature rails and a basin for model-boat enthusiasts. For information, call 571-8123.

Private skating lessons are available, as well as ice charter for groups, hockey games and private rentals. Patrons may also rent skates. Skating fees range from $3 to $12, depending upon the age of the patron and whether or not one is a Leisure Passport holder and county resident. For more information about the Parks Department, visit www.nassau county ny.gov/parks.