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.
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
