Outdoor ice skating open at The Lakes

The Lakes, a Caruso Affiliated shopping center that opened last summer adjacent to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, has transformed one of its lakes into an outdoor ice skating rink for the winter season. The rink will be open through Jan. 8.

“The ice rink at The Lakes is the only outdoor rink in Ventura County and is one of the few in Southern California that transforms an existing body of water, providing a more authentic experience for skaters,” said Rick J. Caruso, CEO, Caruso Affiliated. “This winter pastime as well as the other holiday activities and decor at The Lakes brings a spirited energy to the center for visitors to enjoy during this special season.”

Skating sessions are one hour with a half-hour interval between sessions for ice grooming. General admission for a one-hour session is $7. There is a separate skate rental fee of $4 for hockey skate rentals and $3 for figure skate rentals. The rink operates on a cash basis and does not accept credit cards.

The rink can also accommodate groups: costs are $6 per person for groups of 20 to 40; $5 per person for groups of 41 or more. The fee to rent the entire rink for a single session, which includes skate rentals, is $1,500. For more information about ice rink rates and rentals, please call (805) 494-0514 or visit The Lakes’ website at www.shoplakes.com.

Rink hours through Sat., Dec. 17 are noon to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday; Friday, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Extended holiday hours from Dec. 17 to Jan. 8 will be 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

The Ice Rink at The Lakes is operated by Bietak Productions, a full-service production company located in Santa Monica, specializing in high-quality, live ice entertainment shows.

The Lakes features a variety of restaurants and retailers in a parklike setting.