With the holidays approaching, families are busily making vacation plans. Parents often look for activities they can enjoy with their children when they are out of school. For those searching for ideas, I would like to share some of the activities planned by the Town of Hempstead Parks and Recreation Department for the holiday recess.

Though swimming is often thought of as a summer activity, in the Town of Hempstead we are fortunate to have an indoor pool at Echo Park in West Hempstead. In addition to the swimming pool itself, the facility features a diving tank, weight rooms, sauna, steam room and a snack bar. It has something for every member of the family. This is a great opportunity for those who wish to stay physically active over the holidays. On Wednesday, Dec. 26, Friday, Dec. 28, and Monday, Dec. 31, the pool will open early for lap swimming sessions. Between 7 and 10 a.m. there will be lanes set up for those wishing to swim laps. Between Dec. 26 and Dec. 30 the pool will be open for regular swimming from 10 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. On New Year's Eve the pool will open at 10 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m.

Another great facility we have in the town is the Newbridge Arena at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore. This is an indoor ice-skating rink that also features a snack bar and a lobby complete with fireplace. Rental skates are available. Each skating session is two hours in length. On Monday, Dec. 24, there will be only one public session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31 there will be three public sessions - 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.; 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.; and 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. On New Year's Day there will be two public sessions - 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 3:15 - 5:15 p.m.

We are also hosting two holiday shows, which will be great entertainment for the entire family. On Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Lisa Lou and Laine will be presenting The Great Holiday Unwrapper, a holiday circus extravaganza at Echo Park on the corner of Nassau and Roosevelt Boulevards in West Hempstead. Plaza Theatrical Productions will present Pinocchio: The Musical on Friday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This timeless fairy tale will take place at Levittown Hall on Levittown Parkway, Hicksville. Tickets for each of these shows will be $2.50. For ticket information, please call 292-9000, ext. 382.

Please take the opportunity this holiday season to make use of our wonderful parks and recreation programs.