Company contracted to run Bethpage ice rink school

Oyster Bay Town officials have awarded a two-year contract to a Hauppauge-based recreation company that will run an ice hockey and figure skating school at Bethpage Community Park previously managed in-house.

The deal with The Rinx includes an option for four two-year extensions.

It will earn the town $120,000 annually from The Rinx in addition to 25 percent of the school’s profits over $500,000, town director of operations Andrew Rothstein said Monday.

The company was chosen from among six responses to the town’s request for proposals, he said.

“They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the town,” Rothstein said, adding that The Rinx will organize skating classes, group lessons and hockey clinics.

Rothstein said that “ice time” for local hockey teams and figure skaters is not under threat.

“There’s protected ice for us. Not only the practice slots but the game slots will remain the same,” he said.

The Rinx contract begins Sept. 1. It was approved last week by town board members in a 7-0 vote.