Wampus Pond Park is located on 102 acres in Armonk, Westchester County. It is named after the Indian from whom this land was bought in 1696. Wampus Pond means “opossum". A recent cultural resources inventory performed by Parker Harrington indicates that early 20th century rock shelters, several Native American artifacts and remnants of historically significant residential developments were found within or near the park.
The natural pond, at one time known as Wampus Lake Reservoir, was once part of the New York City water supply. In 1963 the County bought Wampus pond and 93 acres from the City of New York.
Parks attractions include: Boating, Fishing, Ice-Skating, Nature Study, Picnicking
Bedford Village Memorial Park is located in the beautiful hamlet of Bedford Village. It is one of several parks in the municipality of Bedford that offer Summer Day Camp programs and many other activities.
Things To Do Baseball Basketball Fishing Football Ice Skating Paddle Tennis Picnicking Playground Shelter Soccer Softball Summer Day Camp Swimming Pools Tennis
Twin Lakes Park & Nature Study is located at California Road, Eastchester, New York. Twin Lakes offers a wooded nature study area with several trails. Twin Lakes Park was named after the two lakes on the property. The property used to belong to the Mahlsted family and included an icehouse. The park contains mostly wooded areas but there are also fields and marshlands and several ponds. Two stables hire out horses for riding on existing bridle trails.
Things To Do Cross-Country Skiing Equestrian Trails Fishing Hiking / Walking Ice Skating Nature Study Stables
Westchester Skating Academy is located at 91 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford, NY 10523. Built in 1996, the Westchester Skating Academy has quickly become the premiere skating facility in the Westchester County Area. Conveniently located in Elmsford, New York, WSA is an NHL twin rink facilities in Westchester County. Open seven days a week, we offer quality skating programs in a warm and nurturing atmosphere. Press "Blue Button" for more about Westchester Skating Academy's programs for children and young adults.
Hommocks Park Ice Rink is an enclosed public skating facility which offers fun for the entire family. Learn to ice skate, play hockey or just sharpen your skills. A variety of special promotions and events are offered throughout the season. Also available is the Slap Shot Cafe.
Willson's Woods Park is one of the oldest parks in Westchester County. Willson’s Woods is a 23-acre park offering a beautiful swimming pool and adjacent English Tudor style bathhouse along with areas for picnicking and fishing.
Point of Interest: A special feature of Willson's Woods Park is "Willson's Waves" where you can body surf on 3-foot waves in the county's first-ever wave pool. Splash downward on an 18-foot-high water slide, wander through cascades and fountains in the water playground, or just cool off on the spray deck.
New Roc City is located at 33 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801 in Westchester County. New Roc City, a 1.2 million square-foot retail and entertainment center in downtown New Rochelle, offers fun and excitement for the entire family. New Roc City is the home of the Tower Space Shot Ride, the only one in the Northeast. It's also the home of Westchester County's only IMAX Theater, and Westchester's largest Megaplex with 18 movie theaters! And if that's not enough, The Fun House offers all the entertainment needed to keep the whole family busy day and night. New Roc n' Bowl is Glow in the dark Bowling complete with a snack bar and full Liquor License for the older competitors.
New Roc Ice, the skating rinks offering The Central Park Skating Pond, with a sculptured ice surface, is complete with iron rails, park benches, lamp posts and a city feel. The NHL-size skating arena, with its 50-foot ceiling and energizing murals, features hockey games, figure skating and gala special events and shows.
Plenty to do and plenty to eat. There's Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, Jani Restaurant offering Chinese and Japanese cuisine . . . To satisfy your sweet tooth go to the Authentic Cafe a nostalgic 50's motif theme cafe, complete with old photographs, right on the property. Get a great night sleep, wake up and go right to Bally's Fitness Club to work up the energy level.
Mountain Lakes Park is Westchester’s northernmost county park. It is set on 1038 acres and is characterized by a rugged landscape and native hardwood forest with miles of trails. Situated in this lovely park is Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester. Mt. Baily offers breathtaking vistas in every season. The park offers many types of recreational activities including boating, group and self-reliant camping.
Parks attractions include: Boating, Camping, Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking Trails, Ice Skating, Mt. Bailey Westchester's Highest Point, Nature Study
Blue Mountain is located at Welcher Avenue in Peekskill, NY. Blue Mountain is a 1500 acre park in the northwest section of Westchester County. It is primarily a passive park. It features miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, walking, nature study and more. It also offers challenging hikes to the tops of two large peaks: Mt. Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. The park contains a bathhouse and Trail Lodge, as well as two historically significant comfort stations. These comfort stations were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and are reminiscent of early 20th century National Park structures
Things To Do Camping Cross-Country Skiing Equestrian Trails Fishing Hiking / Walking Ice Skating Mountain Biking Nature Study Playground Picnicking Sportman Center Target Shooting Range
The Playland Ice Casino is located at Playland Parkway (Exit 19 off I-95), Rye, New York 10580. The Playland Ice Casino has been Westchester's premier ice skating facility for over 75 years. Three temperature-controlled indoor rinks make for a comfortable, family fun ice skating experience. The Playland Ice Casino offers special weekday times for Freestyle, Adult Skate and Child Puck Time. Convenient public sessions, special events, extended holiday schedules, Party Nights, and Family Skating Nights await skaters this season for even more family fun.
Attractions & Activities Family Skate Nights (Sat) Party Nights Playland Skating School Public Skating
Rye Playland is Metro New York's great family amusement park and entertainment center. Featuring more than 50 rides for children and adults, Playland also offers free entertainment and has a beach, pool, boardwalk and pier on scenic Long Island Sound, lake boating, picnic area, mini golf and indoor ice-skating.
Point of Interest: Rye Playland has the distinction of being America's first totally planned amusement park and prototype for today's successful theme parks. Dedicated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, Playland has provided family fun since 1928. Often referred to as "Rye Playland", it is America's only government owned and operated amusement park.
The Bronx River Parkway Reservation, one of Westchester’s oldest parks, is an 807-acre paved linear park that was created as an adjunct to the Bronx River Parkway that opened in 1925. The Reservation touts a number of “firsts”. It is the first linear park in Westchester, as well as one of the first in the country, and, the Bronx River Parkway was the first parkway in the nation. The Reservation also has the distinction of being the first official Westchester County Park, whose establishment led to the creation of today’s County Park System of more than 50 parks spanning nearly 18,000 acres. The picturesque Reservation, which runs through the heart of southern Westchester County, features ponds, wooden footbridges, and hundreds of varieties of native trees and shrubs. It is a favorite place for bicycling, walking, running and nature study.
Things To Do Fishing Hiking Trails / Walking Ice skating Nature study Recreational Trail
Kensico Dam Plaza is a 98 acre property located at the base of the Kensico Dam. Kensico gets its name from the Siwanoy sachem, "Cokenseko". It is 300 feet high and 1830 feet long. It forms the reservoir that contains 29,000 million gallons of water per day. The dam was built under the old dam that formed Lake Kensico, using stone taken from the adjacent Cranberry Lake Park. The park provides a unique setting for a wide variety of activities including ethnic celebrations, concerts, antiques shows, and arts and craft shows.
Parks attractions include: Biking, Fishing, Hiking / Walking, Ice Skating, In-line Skating, Nature Study, Outdoor Film Festival, Picnicking, Playground, Refreshments
Tibbetts Brook Park is a 161 acre park with a large 412’ x 125’ pool. It was one of the first parks developed by Westchester County. The Park offers many recreational activities throughout the year and hosts ethnic celebrations, fairs and festivals during the summer months.
The Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park offers a scenic haven. The park's spacious picnic areas, which can accommodate individual families as well as large groups, may be reserved in advance. The park's mammoth pool can hold 4,000 bathers at one time.
The park's oasis of blue water, Mohansic Lake and Crom Pond, provide excellent freshwater fishing and boating. Popular catches include bass, perch, and sun fish. A New York State Freshwater Fishing License is required. Licenses can be purchased at town halls or a variety of sporting good stores. Both rowboats and pedal boats are available for rental; however, a regional boating permit allows visitors to launch their own rowboats, canoes or kayaks. For an additional fee, rowboat owners may also store their boats. In wintertime, the water's tree lined border provides a winter wonderland backdrop for ice skaters and ice fisherman.
The park's picnic areas have volleyball nets and many have softball fields or basketball courts. There is also a soccer field. Sports enthusiasts may wish to try their hand at Disc golf, a short distance from the picnic areas. You can play either 9 or 18 holes. The rules and scorecards are located at the course and loaner Frisbees are available from the park office. The park’s hills and trails are perfect for winter sports.
Parks attractions include: Biking, Boat Launch Sites, Boat Rentals, Cross-Country Skiing, Disk Golf Course, Fishing, Food, Hiking Trails / Walking, Ice Skating, Picnic Tables, Playground, Playing Fields, Pool, Recreation Programs, Snowmobiling
Lake Taghkanic State Park was named in 2005 as one of the Top 100 Campgrounds in the nation. Lake Taghkanic State Park, nestled next to Lake Taghkanic in the rolling hills and lush forests of Columbia County, offers a wonderful variety of recreational activities. The park has tent and trailer campsites and cabin and cottage camping facilities, two beaches, picnic grounds and a boat launch. In addition, the park has hiking, biking, cross-country ski and snowmobile trails. Ice skating and ice fishing are permitted when conditions are appropriate.
There are three Vacation Rental Cottages that have the amenities of home. The units are outfitted with a bathroom with toilet and shower, a kitchen with hot and cold running water, refrigerator, stove, microwave, cooking and eating utensils, enclosed/screened-in back porch facing the water, a picnic table and fire ring. Press "Blue Button" for photos, and more about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
Windham is known for being a family-oriented ski resort. We have been welcoming visitors to our town for generations. The town has over 20 restaurants and pubs, wonderful boutiques and shops, and a whole range of enjoyable activities.
One of the best ice skating centers in the region is located at the Windham Mountain Adventure Park on South Street, just 1/8 of a mile west of the ski area. Right next to the snow tubing area, you'll find a 120' x 60' skating area and a warming center complete with skate rentals.
With 46 trails, four terrain parks, a half-pipe, a jib park and a 1,600 feet vertical drop on two mountain peaks, you may want to take a break at the Wheel House Restaurant mid-mountain and enjoy a hearty, warm lunch or just stop to enjoy the indoor fireplace. For non-skiers, boarders, and avid skiers; Windham Mountain Adventure Park offers snow tubing as a perfect way to maximize your winter fun. The tubing hill boasts multiple lanes on a grin-inducing 650 foot slope with three chairlifts available.
If your children aren’t quite ready for the slopes, the Children's Learning Center offers supervised indoor care and entertainment to keep young minds engaged and happy. The Children's Learning Center is located conveniently in the Base Lodge; it has a bright, cozy space that kids warm up to very quickly. For kids 4-7, Windham offers a Mini-Mogul Program with small classes and kids-only terrain to guarantee fun and informative instruction. Press "Blue Button" for more about Windham Mountain Adventure Park.
Indian Lake is located at Route 30, Indian Lake, NY 12842 in Hamilton County. When winter arrives, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain, and Sabael become the perfect place for playing in the snow and finding warm hospitality. Ski down a slope, ride a snowmobile or a toboggan, catch the bumps on a snowboard, ice skate, snowshoe, ice fish, or cross-country ski. Be sure to be here for our yearly Winter Festival in February.
Enjoy the pleasures of no lines and no fees; offering one T-bar and two slopes. Great for sledding and tobogganing too. Lift is open Saturday, Sunday, School vacations 12:00pm - 4:00 pm. Ice Rink is open when ice conditions permit. Located 1/2 mile from village on Rt 30. Skate rentals at Pine's Country Store.
The best the Adirondacks has to offer, Indian Lake, Blue Mountain Lake and Sabael together comprise the centerpiece vacationland of the Adirondack Park, a 6 million acre natural sanctuary of public and private land, which stretches over nearly a third of New York State.
This national treasure stands today as the largest wilderness preserve outside of Alaska and is one of the most successful conservation efforts in history. Our region is within an easy day's drive of most major cities in the Northeast.
Outdoor Winter Activities Ice fish Ice Skate Skiing Snowboard Snowmobile and toboggan Snowshoe Winter Festival in February
Riverbank State Park is the only park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Inspired by urban rooftop designs in Japan, this 28-acre multi-level landscaped recreational facility is a state-of-the-art park facility. Rising 69 feet above the Hudson River, Riverbank offers a wide variety of recreational, athletic and arts experiences for all ages, interests and abilities.
Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size pool, a covered skating rink for roller skating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, a 2,500-seat athletic complex with fitness room, and a 150-seat restaurant.
Outdoor sports amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, a wading pool, four tennis courts, four basketball courts, a softball field, four hand/paddleball courts, and a 400-meter eight-lane running track with a football/soccer field.
Riverbank also boasts spectacular promenade views of the Hudson River, the Palisade Mountains and the George Washington Bridge. At water level, there is a 900-seat amphitheater and docking facilities for excursion and fishing boats.
Points of Interest: The "Totally Kid Carousel", created by Milo Mottola and 37 young children.
Parks attractions include: Carousel, Food, Gymnasium, Hiking, Ice Skating, Performing Arts Theater, Picnic Tables, Playground, Playing Fields, Pool, Recreation Programs, Showers, Tennis
Chadwick Lake Park is located in Newburgh, NY, Orange County in the lower Hudson Valley. Chadwick Lake is a reservoir supplying water to the Town of Newburgh. It was created by damming Quassaick Creek in 1926. It is located immediately to the northwest of the junction of NY 32 and 300 in the Cronomer Valley section of the town. It is open to the public, and there are recreational facilities near the southern end.
Facilities near the lake's southern end, include three picnic shelters, a playground, walking trails, boating launches, basketball courts, and a roller rink. Fishing is also allowed on the lake, with largemouth bass a common catch. Press "Blue Button" for more about Chadwick Lake Park.
Note: A permit is required for entrance to Chadwick Lake Park.
Park Attractions Boating (boats are available to rent) Boat launches Bocce Basketball Fishing Ice Skating Picnic facility Playground Roller Hockey Rink Walking trail around the lake
Downing Park is a 35-acre landscape park located in the heart of the City of Newburgh, Orange County, in the Hudson Valley. Filled with hills and valleys, streams, a pond, and a rich variety of vegetation, the park has serpentine paths and picturesque vista.
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, designers and creators of Central Park in New York City, created this 35-acre urban respite named for their mentor and supporter of the public parks movement. The landscaping features many a winding path opening to a picture perfect vignette of flowering shrubs, rolling hills, a pergola and pond. Polly Pond, especially when filled with ice skaters, has been inspiration for many artists. The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, and the Shelter House also serves as Visitor Center for the town.
Ice Time Sports Complex is located at 21 Lakeside Road, Newburgh, NY 12552 in Orange County. Ice Time is an indoor rink and sports facility that is opened all year. Ice Time offers many attractions including: public skating, skating lessons, figure skating, youth and adult hockey . . . Press "Blue Button" for more information about Ice Time Sports Complex.
Ice Rink Attractions Birthday parties Figure skating Hockey programs and leagues for youth and adults Ice skating Ice Slots for rent Public skating Skating lessons
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park is wonderful for outdoor enthusiasts. This 14,086 acre park, covering land in Putnam and Dutchess counties, boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground, and abundant opportunities for boating, hunting, fishing, and birding. The park is also home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center which provides high quality environmental programming and Fahnestock Winter Park which includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and an area for sledding.
The large beach at Canopus Lake is the jewel of Clarence Fahnestock Memorial Park. Its sandy shore and nearby picnic area are enjoyed by thousands of bathers. In addition to swimming, campers and day trippers can fish in or tour Canopus Lake by row boats which are available for rental by the hour or the day. Fishing by boat is permitted at Stillwater and Canopus Lakes. Fishing at both lakes and four ponds is excellent in all seasons for anglers seeking bass, pickerel, perch or brook and rainbow trout.
The scenic campground, formed along the park’s natural rock ridges, provides alcoves of privacy and tranquility for campers. Each of the 80 campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Additionally there is an area for RV camping. The campground’s nature center houses environmental displays and a variety of touch boxes. On weekends, park staff organizes hikes and craft activities. Movies are shown on Saturday evenings for the enjoyment of all campers.
About Bear Mountain State Park The 5,000-acre Bear Mountain State Park, flagship of the Palisades Interstate Park System, is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged mountains. Bear Mountain State Park is located at Bear Mountain, New York 10911; just 45 miles north of New York City in the historic and very beautiful Hudson River Valley.
Lakes, ponds, forest, hills, and mountains abound at Bear Mountain. Bear Mountain is heavily forested, offering the natural beauty of sights such as Perkins Memorial Tower.
Of interest to hikers, the historic Appalachian trail is carried across the Bear Mountain Bridge and the Popolopen Suspension Bridge. Although campgrounds and lodging are available, Bear Mountain Park is primarily a day-use park offering magnificent scenery, photo opportunities, and great hiking for all levels of hikers. The historic Bear Mountain Inn, situated in Bear Mountain Park, overlooks Hessian Lake and provides food and overnight accommodations. Food is also available at several vendors around Hessian Lake and in other areas of the park.
Bear Mountain Park attractions and activities include: a large playing field, picnic groves, rowboat docks on Hessian Lake, swimming pool and bathhouse, nature trails including key segments of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Long Path, basketball court, Trailside Museums and Zoo, Iona Island Estuarine Reserve and Bird Refuge, Perkins Tower, and the Merry-Go-Round. Many winter activities are available at Bear Mountain Park, including an outdoor rink that is open for ice skating from late October through mid-March.
Perkins Memorial Tower, atop Bear Mountain, affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Driving, biking, or hiking along Perkins Memorial Drive offers breathtaking views from many vantage points leading to Perkins Memorial Tower perched at the top of the mountain. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of many picnic spots that are available along Perkins Memorial Drive.
Special attraction for kids: The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain features hand painted scenes of the park and 42 hand carved seats of native animals including: black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more.
Things To Do Biking Boat Rentals Cross-Country Skiing Dockage Fishing (lake and river fishing) Food at park and at Bear Mountain Inn Hiking Trails / Walking Ice Skating Merry-Go-Round Pavilion Museum/Visitor Center & Gift Shop Nature Trail Picnic Tables Playground & Playing Fields Pool Zoo and Nature Park
Palisades Center Mall is located at 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994 Rockland County in the Hudson River Valley; intersection of the New York State Thruway (1-87 and I-287) and Routes 303 and 59. Palisades Center offers four floors of fun shopping and exciting entertainment. Shopping includes books, department stores, electronics, home stores, jewelry, shoes, maternity, sports and specialty stores, and toys & hobbies. Palisades Center even has its own IMAX Theater, Ice Skating Rink, and many great restaurants.
Healthy Exercise at Palisades Mall Walking has quickly become America's most popular form of exercise because it is safe, simple and inexpensive. Almost anyone can walk, regardless of age, lifestyle or physical condition. A regular program of brisk walking is beneficial in preventing or managing health problems. Join your friends and neighbors at Palisades Center for healthful walking at your own pace in climate controlled comfort.
Press "Blue Button" for more information about the amazing Palisades Center Mall and Shopping Plaza.
Rockland Lake State Park's lake is located on a ridge of Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River. The park offers two Olympic-sized swimming pools and two kiddie pools, picnic tables and grills, a car-top boat launch and boat rentals, hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley, six tennis courts and two golf courses. Anglers can fish Rockland Lake for bass, perch and norlunge; walkers and joggers can use the fitness trail around the lake. Winter visitors can enjoy designated cross-country ski trails and sledding slopes.
The Palisades Center Ice Rink is located at 4900 Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY 10994 on the 4th floor, of the Palisades Center Mall, directly above Macy's. We offer year round ice activities including, Public Skating, Learn to Skate programs, Learn to Play Hockey programs, Open Hockey, Stick Time, Summer Camps and Clinics to name a few. We have ice slots available for corporate outings, private parties, pick up hockey and also offer Birthday Party packages and Group Skating discount rates. Press "Blue Button" for information about Skate School, Summer Camp, Stick Time, Open hockey, Freestyle, and more.
Rocking Horse Ranch Resort is conveniently located in the Mid-Hudson Valley region in Ulster County, just 90 minutes North of New York City. Rocking Horse's address is 600 Route 44/55, Highland, NY 12528. If using a GPS to locate us, use 13 Pancake Hollow Rd., Highland, NY 12528.
Rocking Horse Ranch is a family resort that is geared toward kids. It is a year-round getaway for active families who want the comfort of a year-round resort, and the peace of mind that comes with an affordable, all-inclusive price. Press "Blue Button" for year-round information about Rocking Horse Ranch resort.
Reviews
"A taste of the West with a New York Flavor... One of the largest and best equipped Dude Ranches east of the West ... A full scale year round resort. Complete with everything from skiing and sleigh rides in Winter to water skiing and tennis in the Summer weather. And oh, those horses." by Daily News
Outdoor Winter Activities Bonfires with hot chocolate & marshmallows Horse drawn Sleigh Rides Ski Area Snow Tube Run w/Lift Ice Skating
Ski Area Features . . . 100% snow making and grooming Rental equipment Ski lessons
Ice Skating
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Hudson River Valley
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Outdoor Ice skating offers a fun and wonderful way to enjoy a brisk cold winter day. Be sure your ice skating experience is safe by following the following guidelines:
Important Ice Skating Safety Guidelines
Do not skate or walk on ice unless a sign is posted by your town Parks and Recreation facilities designating the ice as a safe-skating area.
Never ice skate or walk on any frozen water or water surface unless official signs are posted as to the safety of these areas.
Children should never be left unattended near any ice or frozen water.
If you hear cracking while on ice, lie down immediately and try to distribute your weight.
If you witness someone falling through ice, never attempt to make a rescue by yourself. Call 911 and notify the proper authorities.
Both indoor and outdoor Ice Skating rinks offer many activities and great exercise. Some ice activities include: public skating, freestyle skating, ice hockey, open hockey, stick time, birthday parties on the ice. If you're looking for a fun birthday party, take the children to an ice skating rink. Both young children and older kids enjoy an ice skating party.
History of Ice Skating in New York City Parks
Ice Skating in the Parks began before specially designed ice skating rinks were built in the 20th century, at a time when skaters used ponds and lakes in parks for recreation.
The Lake in Central Park was the most notable case of this use. Before Central Park was completed in the 1870s, this section was opened to ice skaters and quickly became a top attraction. In order to ensure proper skating conditions, the Lake was drained to a level that eased the freezing of ice each year. The Lake, then and now, is connected to the City's water system.
Ice Skating beyond Central Park
Meanwhile, other bodies of water were used for ice skating throughout the park system. In Brooklyn, skating sites existed at McCarren Park, Prospect Park, Sunset Park, and Commodore Barry Park. In fact, ice skating was so popular in the 19th century that a tradition of "raising the red ball" on Brooklyn streetcars was created to indicate favorable skating conditions at Prospect Park.
Building a Manmade Rink in Queens
The first facility devoted to ice skating was the New York City Building, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, originally constructed for the 1939-40 World's Fair. The rink was used for ice shows during the Fair, and afterward was converted to an ice and roller skating rink that operated from 1941 to 1946.
Although the New York City Building was temporarily used as a site for the fledgling United Nations, October 1946 to 1950, the Building once again became an ice and roller skating rink in 1952. The New York City Building became a major World's Fair site again during the 1964-65 event when Olympic figure skating champion Dick Button organized "Ice-Travaganza" performances within the facility. After the Fair ended, the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park rink became the first year-round skating facility in the park system.
The Ice Skating Rink in Central Park
In 1949, philanthropist Kate Wollman donated funds for a new kind of "artificial rink" to be built in Central Park. Ms. Wollman gave $600,000 toward the construction of Wollman Rink as a memorial to her parents, Mr. J. Wollman and Mrs. Bettie Wollman, and her four brothers.
The Wollman Rink opened in 1950 and is located in the southern part of Central Park. Its creation ushered in a new era of ice skating unbound by fickle weather conditions. As the Parks Department publicity materials boasted, the new rink guaranteed access to safe skating for New Yorkers "who have been deprived of the pleasure of regular, uninterrupted outdoor ice skating throughout the winter half year because of vagaries of our climate."
With midtown Manhattan as its dramatic backdrop, Wollman Rink was a success from the day it opened; over 300,000 skaters glided across the ice in its first year of operation. The facility features three-quarters of an acre (28,000 square feet) of ice and 16 miles of 1 1/4 " wrought iron pipe.
Wollman Funds Additional Rinks
Another rink funded by Kate Wollman, Lasker Rink and Pool on Central Park's northern end, serves as a pool in the summer months. Wollman also contributed major financial help towards a similar outdoor ice skating rink in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. This Rink was constructed in 1961 on the site formerly known as Music Island, where concerts were performed in the 19th century.
Ice Skating Continues to Grow
Once ice skating proved to be useful in attracting people into the parks in the winter months, other rinks opened throughout City boroughs:
The Abe Stark Rink, in Coney Island, was opened in 1970.
The War Memorial Rink in Clove Lakes Park, an outdoor rink, also opened in 1970.
Recently, a concession at Bryant Park has offered ice skating free of charge, providing New Yorkers with an economical way to explore this enjoyable winter pastime.
The American Museum of Natural History opened a state-of-the-art skating rink, located within Theodore Roosevelt Park, made from a recyclable synthetic surface.
There are many wonderful outdoor ice skating rinks in the parks of the Hudson River Valley. Also enjoy year round ice skating, ice hockey, and more ice activities at the indoor rinks of the Hudson Valley.
Wampus Pond Park
