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.

The rinks, part of the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, are open seven days a week through mid-March.

The Christopher Morley rink offers three two-hour day sessions, seven says 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.