Mar Jennings is back!

Westport, CT — The Town of Westport Parks & Recreation Department proudly announces the return of Mar Jennings—America’s Top Lifestyle Expert, Emmy®-nominated television host, licensed real estate agent, and World Championship gold medalist—as Head Coach and Program Director for the 2026–2027 Learn to Skate program at the Westport P.A.L. Rink at Longshore.

Last season marked the beginning of a new era of innovation and elevated programming at the rink. Jennings’ return signals the next exciting chapter—building on that momentum with expanded creativity, enhanced instruction, and a renewed commitment to inspiring skaters of every age and skill level.

A celebrated figure in Westport and throughout Fairfield County, Jennings brings unmatched charisma, championship-level expertise, and a proven ability to motivate. Under his leadership, the U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned program offers a welcoming, confidence-building environment for toddlers taking their first steps, youth developing competitive skills, and adults rediscovering their love of the ice.

“Skating has shaped my life in extraordinary ways,” said Jennings. “I’m honored to return and continue sharing that legacy with our community. Last year was just the beginning—this season’s Learn to Skate program will be more innovative, more streamlined, and more inspiring than ever.”

The 10-week Learn to Skate curriculum follows the nationally acclaimed Basic Skills structure, providing progressive instruction, merit badge evaluations, and a supportive environment designed to nurture personal growth. All sessions take place at the scenic Longshore Club Park, home to the Westport P.A.L. Rink.

Beyond the rink, Jennings is widely known as the host of the nationally syndicated LIFE ON MAR’S: The Home Makeover Show, earning eleven Emmy® nominations and a 2026 Telly Award for his visionary approach to lifestyle design. He is also an award-winning, five-star real estate agent serving Westport and the surrounding communities. His continued leadership of the Learn to Skate program reflects a powerful blend of passion, purpose, and hometown pride.

For more information or to register, visit www.wpalrink.com.

The 10-week program follows the nationally acclaimed Basic Skills curriculum, offering structured, merit badge evaluations, and a supportive environment for growth. All sessions will take place at the scenic Longshore Club Park at the PAL Ice Rink. 

Learn to Skate - Ages 3+ years

The Westport Parks and Recreation Department follows the U.S. Figure Skating Learn to Skate Program.  It is designed to keep skaters enthusiastic about learning from the time they begin lessons until the time they reach their goals.  Whether they want to excel to compete or simply enjoy the recreational benefits of skating, the Basic Skills Program is the place to start!

All participants are required to wear a ski or snowboard helmet and must dress warmly and appropriately for cold outdoor weather, ski pants, mittens / gloves and warm layers.  Please, no double runner skates.

The session runs for 10 weeks and students will be evaluated and given merit badges at the completion of each level.  Skaters may need to occasionally repeat a level to better prepare them for more difficult levels.  This is common, especially at the higher levels.  All instruction takes place at the Westport P.A.L. Rink at Longshore located in Longshore Club Park.  www.wpalrink.com

Please note, this is an outdoor activity and inclement may cause the program to cancel with no makeups offered. 

*** CLASSES WILL NOT RUN DURING HOLIDAY BREAK FROM 12/23/26 TO 1/01/27 AND WILL RESUME JANUARY SECOND ***

Parent & Tot: Snowplow Sam 1 - 3: (Ages 3 & 4)

Dates: December 01 - February 16, 2026

An exciting introduction to the world of skating for pre-school aged children.  Children, with the help of their caregiver, will learn basic skills of skating, including balance, falling and standing, marching and stopping and improving their coordination while having fun in a group.  Fun games will be included to help children learn.

 *No class 12/23 - 1/03

Note: Inclement weather may cause the program to be canceled with no makeup offered.

Tots: Snowplow Sam 1 - 4: (Ages 4 - 5)

Dates: December 01 - February 16, 2026

 *No class 12/23 - 1/03

Note: Inclement weather may cause the program to be canceled with no makeup offered.

Come learn something new!  This class is designed as an introduction to the basic skills of skating while children have fun outdoors!  The Snowplow Sam levels are for the pre-school / kindergarten age skater to develop balance and improve coordination, learn to march and glide on the ice, falling and standing, stops, backwards and having fun in a group atmosphere! 

Basic Skills: Level 1 - 6: (Ages 5+)

Dates: December 01 - February 16, 2026

The Basic Skills lessons are the foundation and fundamentals of the sport of ice skating.  These eight levels will introduce the skater to forward skating, backward skating, stops, edges, crossovers, turns, Mohawks and beginning spins and jumps.  Upon the completion of the Basic 1 - 6 levels, skaters will have a basic knowledge of the sport, enabling them to advance to more specialized areas of skating or just enjoy the recreational benefits of the sport.  Children will be learning new skills and having fun outdoors in a group atmosphere! 

 *No class 12/23 - 1/03

Note: Inclement weather may cause the program to be canceled with no makeup offered.

Choreography (ADD ON Class: Prerequisite - Basic Level 3):

Dates: December 03- February 11, 2026

 *No class 12/23 - 1/03

Note: Inclement weather may cause the program to be canceled with no makeup offered.

This class is designed to teach skaters how to link figure skating moves together to create a program with their peers. Skaters will learn elements from traditional skating, theater on ice, and synchronized skating. Skaters MUST be taking another Learn to Skate class in order to enroll in this class.

Hockey Skating Skills (ADD ON Class: Prerequisite - Basic Level 3):

Dates: December 01 - February 16, 2026

 *No class 12/23 - 1/03

Note: Inclement weather may cause the program to be canceled with no makeup offered.

Players will be exposed to the wonderful world of hockey through the use of hockey-based skills and drills. This class teaches players the fundamentals of skating which helps improve power, Agility and strength. No sticks and pucks will be used. Skaters MUST be taking another Learn to Skate class in order to enroll in this class.

Introduction to Figure Skating (Prerequisite - Basic Level 4):

Dates: December 01 - February 16, 2026

 *No class 12/23 - 1/03

Note: Inclement weather may cause the program to be canceled with no makeup offered.

The Introduction to Figure Skating course is designed to teach skills at a faster pace in a group environment.  This program introduces skaters to a “training program” and offers them an introduction to all the elements in skating and what is required if they choose to skate recreationally or begin a competitive career.

The on-ice curriculum includes:

• Proper stretching techniques
• Warm up and cool down
• Stroking, edges, and power skating
• Introductory ice dance
• Beginner synchronized team
• Spins
• Jumps
• Artistry in Motion – beginning choreography and style

Inclusive Ice Skating

Dates: December 05 - February 13, 2026

Come to the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore, learn to skate and have a great time outdoors!   Instruction is designed for children who are challenged in both an individual and group setting.  Coaches will provide instruction on the basic skills of skating and to make skating fun!  Parents are encouraged to skate with their child to facilitate a positive experience and to aid them if necessary.

 *No class 12/23 - 1/03

Note: Inclement weather may cause the program to be canceled with no makeup offered.

Adult Learn to Skate: Basic 1-8 (Ages 18+)

December 03 - February 13, 2026

Adults of all ages and abilities are welcome to come and improve their skating skills.  If you are a beginner skater or more advanced, we are the place for you.  Participants will have the opportunity to learn at their individual rate while being challenged and motivated.  This program is designed to teach the basic fundamentals of skating that include forward and backward motion, stops and turns as well as more advanced moves such as crossovers, 3-turns, moves in the field pattern, and even jumps and spins. 

Private Lessons

Are you interested in having your child work 1:1 with an instructor instead of in a group setting? Our instructors are happy to do that for you. Please click here to access our Private Lesson Request Form. Please fill out the enclosed form and one of our staff members will reach out to you within 48 hours to schedule your first lesson.