Chilling out at the McCarren Park ice skating rink opening ceremonies

mccarren park ice skaters — It’s time for skating! Photo by Camille Lawhead

On this exceptionally warm and sunny mid-November day, NYC Parks and the nonprofit Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn (OSA) celebrated the opening of the McCarren Park ice skating rink – North Brooklyn’s first and only outdoor ice skating rink. The steel of the brand new skates shone brightly on the little feet of John Ericsson MS126’s and Citizens of the World Charter School’s students, excitedly waiting for the green ribbon to be cut by the senators and commissioners attending the opening.

The event kicked off with a speech by Ed Janoff, Executive Director of the Open Space Alliance/North Brooklyn Parks Administrator, who pointed out that it had been a few years of hard work before the project was completed. Clearly, however, the reconstruction of the McCarren pool proved to be successful with its light design, honoring the architecture of this beautiful building.

stephen levin mccarren ice rink — Stephen Levin speaking at the McCarren Ice Rink opening. Photo by Camille Lawhead

pat kiernan mccarren ice rink speech — Canada/NY1’s Pat Kiernan delighting the audience with tales of the old country. Photo by Camille Lawhead

Other speakers included: NYC Parks First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh, The New York State Senator Daniel Squadron, New York State Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol, Member of the New York City Council from the 33rd District Steve Levin, and NY1‘s Pat Kiernan, who as a Canadian was born in ice skates.

mccarren ice rink dignitaries — The folks that made the rink happen, and Pat Kiernan! Photo by Camille Lawhead

marni halasa mccarren park — Good news: this is not the ice rink dress code. Photo by Camille Lawhead

A ceremonial ribbon cutting and a performance by a professional skater and artist Marni Halasa officially marked the opening of the rink to the public. As anticipated, the children fell (and crawled) but after a few minutes they all got a grasp of their newly acquired ice-skating skills and really started killing it!

mccarren park ice rink kid falls — The kids fell while skating. Photo by Camille Lawhead

mccarren park ice rink adult falls — But so did the adults. Photo by Camille Lawhead

This rink is installed on top of the pool deck and can accommodate over 300 people. It will be open seven days a week from 11 am to 10 pm through January. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for senior and students, and $4 for children, with group discounts and party packages available. Skate rentals are available for $5.

mccarren park ice rink children — Everyone loves ice skating. Photo be Camille Lawhead

mccarren park ice rink figure skater — Some people just haddd to show off. Photo by Camille Lawhead

pat kiernan mccarren ice rink — Canadian Pat Kiernan at home in his natural environment

mccarren ice rink child skating — Future hockey star of America. Photo by Camille Lawhead

mccarren park ice rink parent help — Some people needed a little help. Photo by Camille Lawhead

mccarren park ice rink rail holding — The walls are your friend if you’re no sure-footed. Photo by Camille Lawhead

There’ll be a reward for every ice skating adventure thanks to Hanson Bros., the collaboration between three Greenpoint eateries: Tyler Kord of No. 7 Sub, Josh Cohen of Anella and Jimmy’s Diner. The food stand (named after the trouble-making brothers from Slap Shot) will provide an innovative take on food concessions all winter, with a menu will consisting of:

mccarren park ice rink hanson bros — Get refreshed after hitting the ice. Photo by Camille Lawhead

Chili: $6

Hot Dogs: Classic $4; Imperial (lychee, muchim, fried garlic) $5; Hacksaw Jim Duggan (pulled pork, pickled jalapeños) $6; (any dogs can be a tofu dogs for $1 extra).

Melts: Classic Cheddar $5; Happy Pilgrim (turkey, swiss, sweet potato, cranberry) $7; Enchanted Broccoli Cuban (broccoli, pickles, mustard, swiss) $6.

Snacks: Pumpkin Seed Brittle $3; Popcorn $3; Zapp’s Potato Chips $2.

Drinks: Spiced Hot Chocolate $3; Make it a “Black Eye” + $2; Juice $3; Water $2.