Wollman Rink in Central Park to
return Nov. 14 with new operators
BY MARK HALLUM
Coming through just before the holiday
season, NYC Parks secured a
new operator for Central Park’s
Wollman Rink ahead of the chilly months
after the city broke ties with the Trump
organization in January of 2021.
Wollman Park Partners (WPP) – a mix
of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment,
Related Companies, and Equinox – will
reopen the rink by Nov. 14 after being
selected through a request for proposals
process and released new details, the group
announced Tuesday afternoon.
“The second I learned about Wollman
Park Partners’ plans for Wollman Rink
NYC I knew I had to become involved
to support one of New York City’s most
historic destinations,” Stefanie Tomlin,
the newly appointed general manager of
Wollman Rink, said. “Wollman Rink NYC
is the crown jewel of Central Park, and we
have a unique opportunity to make it more
than just a skating rink, but one that’s an
inclusive, accessible cultural hub for everyone
to enjoy, regardless of background.”
The partners are currently performing
redevelopment of the rink and clubhouse
Projections of the new Wollman Rink in Central Park, soon-to-be under new
management. (
as it is primed to run the attraction – once
boasted as a public service project for halo
effect by former President Donald Trump
– for the next fi ve years as allowed in the
contract.
All ties between the former president
and the city were severed following the Jan.
6 insurrection at the U.S. Capital.
CREDIT: VSTUDIOS, CO-DESIGN BY GENSLER)
“For decades the Wollman Rink has
provided New Yorkers and visitors alike
with a spectacular setting for winter fun. I
am delighted to see the rink begin its next
chapter, and commend Wollman Park
Partners for their commitment to reinvest
any net profi ts in the facility, community
partners, and our city,” Upper West Side
Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal said. “Ice
skating has been integral to Central Park
since the mid 19th century — it’s wonderful
that the rink is now being led with a
civic spirit and will be welcoming to all.”
According to WPP, the proceeds from
the operation will not be counted as profi t,
but will be reinvested in the facility as part
of their capital program to address longdeferred
maintenance.
“This is a non-profi t endeavor with
the goal of upgrading Wollman Rink and
making it accessible to all of New York
in a way that it hasn’t been previously,”
a WPP statement said regarding pricing.
“The rink requires signifi cant investment
to modernize and upgrade. We have kept
pricing the same for children and seniors,
while introducing new discounts for fi rst
responders and our community partners.
We have proposed a small increase in the
adult admission, which will then allow us
to provide free or low-cost programming
to non-profi t groups and youth who would
not otherwise be able to have access to the
facility. This is about creating a pricing
structure that achieves accessibility, allows
for long overdue upgrades to the site, and
serves New Yorkers from all walks of life.”
Winter Village at Bryant Park to return this month
BY NYCKOLE MAREE
Bank of America Winter Village at
Bryant Park is thrilled to be welcoming
back its most popular attractions
this winter.
This annual New York City staple is
bringing on the holiday cheer in return for
its 20th season from Friday, Oct. 29, 2021,
through Sunday, March 6, 2022. This is the
only event in New York City that is offering
a free admission skating rink but is not
limited to guests enjoying shopping at the
holiday market and eating some delicious
food.
The 17,000 square foot ice rink is completely
outdoors and guests can free skate
or watch skating shows. Visitors can expect
to do many activities and see different
events taking place throughout the season.
To make reservations for skating time or
rentals can be placed in advance online and
new skating reservation dates are going to
be released on a rolling basis. There will
be free admission to skate if you bring
your own skating shoes but don’t worry
skate rentals, premium skate, and other
additional offerings will be available. Bryant
Park wants their guests to remember that
masks are encouraged and is continuing to
implement additional cleaning protocols
throughout the day to ensure high-touch
surfaces and shared rental equipment is
sanitized and safe for use.
FILE PHOTO
Rain or shine Bank of America Winter
Village will be open to visitors every day.
Their schedule of operation is fl exible
with Monday through Thursday 8 a.m.
to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday (and
Holidays) from 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Visitors can shop at the
European-inspired open-air market featuring
artisans from around the world featuring
over 170 new and returning merchants.
They can shop around in buying local crafts
and exquisite gifts. The Holiday Market is
housed in custom-designed “jewel box”
kiosks and is open daily until January 2.
Visitors can fi nd these shops located along
Bryant Park’s allées and terraces.
Along with part of this season’s Holiday
Shops, Bank of America made it possible
to have a feature called, Small Business
Spotlight, showcasing four New York City
minority-owned small businesses that will
have the chance to display their products
in a rent-free booth. This gives a chance for
visitors to go out and support small local
businesses in the city.
In addition, The Lodge by Prime Video,
a rinkside open-air, après skate-escape is
a space where adults can cozy up with a
festive cocktail, enjoy delicious food, watch
the ice skaters, or admire the Christmas
tree.
To keep up with the daily happening on
social media, follow @bryantparknyc and
#wintervillage.
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