Impending Skylands shutdown shocks skating communityBy Carol Dunbar

HARDYSTON-Reactions to the news that Skylands Ice World will close on April 2 range from shock to devastation The surprise announcement last week hit everyone, from the teenager who takes your admission fee to hockey players of every age who finally had a place to play to the youngest figure skater, and, in particular, the hockey families. "It's what the owner decided. The specific reasons were not disclosed to us, and the details weren't given to us," said the rink's general manager, Bob Lenthy. "The staff is hoping that a white knight comes along and buys it, and everything is restored." Ice World, the $10 million facility on Route 23 that began operating in October of 2003, filled a void in the Sussex County recreational menu. It almost immediately gave birth to hockey leagues that served everyone from peewees to adults. Janice Colvin of Vernon, a parent and community program coordinator for hockey, is "devastated." Saying that there is a tremendous need in the county for a facility like Skylands, she spoke of the impact on the thriving hockey leagues and on figure skating programs that were in the process of being developed. "We have been working for years to build youth programs and the difficulty of driving upwards of an hour doesn't build an interest in this sport," she said. With the proximity of Ice World, an increasing number of families were moving into the hockey programs. She added that the programs are being "welcomed and needed by the surrounding communities, and now we're going to be back behind the eight-ball." Several high schools in the county, including High Point, Jefferson, Newton, Pope John, Sparta, Vernon, and Wallkill Valley, as well as schools from Kinnelon and Warwick use the facility for games and practice. Colvin recalled that when Vernon, which is in only its second year of a hockey program, played in state playoffs, the stands were filled with more than 400 cheering spectators, a sign of the interest the facility and the sport had sparked. The high school varsity team finished tenth in the state in its first league season, and many schools are starting junior varsity programs. "Our only hope is that it will be sold," Colvin said. "We feel like we have lost our home." She continued, "It also filled a need in terms of employment for teenagers. There was a family atmosphere. The employees were wonderful." She learned of the pending shutdown in an E-mail. "Since the need exists, and it clearly exists, we hope someone is going to see that and make a purchase," she said. On Monday, families who were arriving for a public skate session and for hockey practice also expressed their surprise, disappointment and bewilderment that a rink that to all appearances was thriving should abruptly close. The facility, which houses two professional-size skating rinks with seating for approximately 500, also provides party planning, party space, skating instruction, theme nights, and, of course, hockey. There is a pro shop and laser tag and arcade games. Nick and Terry Strobel, whose 11-year-old son Tanner plays hockey, said they often use the facility and also bring friends. "We started coming from the very beginning, and don't understand why it's closing," said Terry Strobel. "Most of the time, you can't get in here, it's packed." "Even the restaurant is excellent," Nick Strobel added. As the parking lot filled and the sun started to set, the skaters were tying up their laces for one of the last times at Ice World.