ICE SAFEGUARDS: For the first time in about 30 years, visitors are ice skating at Hempstead Lake and Belmont Lake state parks after sustained cold created ice thick enough to open to the public. With temperatures now climbing above freezing, park rangers drill the ice several times a day and rope off any sections that drop below safety standards. Ranger Mike Bonacasa says rain and warmer days and nights could quickly thin the ice, estimating roughly a week of skating left, depending on conditions. Skating is free during daylight hours starting at 7:30 a.m., but visitors must bring their own skates. . . . #News12 #News12LI #Longisland #Hempstead #Belmont