CHERRY HILL, N.J. — According to Psychiatry Advisor, Seasonal affective disorder — a recurrent type of depression that comes with the change of seasons — affects between 1% and 10% of the population and affects women four times more than men.
Among the best treatments, psychologists say, are going outside in the sunshine and getting regular exercise. Both of these treatments can be found in Cooper River Park this winter season.
The WinterFest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River Park will return for the 2019-2020 winter season officially opening Friday, November 29.
WinterFest offers ice skating, hot drinks, and tasty treats, as well as more recent additions including indoor arcade games and other outdoor family activities.
“WinterFest is one more way that we encourage Camden County families to come out and enjoy the tremendous parks we have in our community. We have another spectacular opening ceremony planned in addition to our annual tree lighting, family entertainment, and more,” Freeholder Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department, said in a press release. “There’s more to do at WinterFest this year than ever before, and we’ve made sure there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.”
The 60-foot by 120-foot ice rink will return to Cooper River Park across from the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, at the corner of North Park Drive and Cuthbert Boulevard. The park will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights in the trees, and vendors selling soft pretzels, hot chocolate, and other treats.
Each year’s WinterFest includes a variety of programming opportunities for families to learn and play, as well as themed occasions which offer new ways to enjoy the park’s amenities. This year’s festivities include: Opening Day: November 29, 2019, Tree Lighting: December 5, 2019,
Holiday Movie Week: December 19 – 22, 2019, and Noon Years Eve: December 31, 2019
Skaters of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to take lessons taught by our professional skating instructor, Jacqueline Barr. Those with more competitive interests may also be interested in joining the Jersey Pinelands Curling Club (JPCC) for one of their Introduction to Curling courses on the rink.
“This is a great opportunity for residents of all ages to learn something new and possibly discover a new hobby out on the ice,” Nash said. “We are always adding new events to the WinterFest offerings and updating our schedule.”
The WinterFest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River Park will be open Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 9 p.m from November 29 through February 17, 2020 .
WinterFest will offer special holiday hours:
Holiday Week 12/26 – 12/31: 12 PM – 10 PM
New Year’s Eve / Tuesday 12/31: 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
New Year’s Day / Wednesday 1/1: 12:00 P.M. — 10:00 P.M.
MLK Day / Monday 1/20: 12:00 P.M. — 9:00 P.M.
Valentine’s Day / Friday 2/14: Regular hours
Last Day / Monday 2/17: 12:00 P.M.– 9:00 P.M.
Children 4 years of age and younger will be admitted onto the ice for free. Kids 5 to 12 will be admitted for $6 and adult admission is $7. Veterans and seniors will receive a discounted admission of $4. There is a $4 skate rental fee for all ages. There is plenty of free parking in lots around the park.
More information on skating lesson or curling with the JPCC, or about scheduling a private party, visit www.camdencounty.com/winterfest.
Camden County WinterFest is an official Toys for Tots drop off location.
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