Wollman Rink NY

Wollman Rink at Night – Skating Central Park

Ice Skating in New York City’s Central Park

Located in Manhattan’s Central Park, Wollman Rink is an outdoor ice skating rink. Visitors can enjoy great views of NYC’s iconic skyline while skating during the winter season. In the summer, the ice is replaced by an amusement park with carnival-style rides and other attractions. The family-friendly Wollman Park offers some of the most exciting recreational opportunities in the heart of The Big Apple. Click to book your Central Park Ice Skating at Wollman Rink and Dessert at Planet Hollywood admission ticket.

Facilities and Features

Wollman Rink is one of the largest and most visited facilities of its kind in New York City. When in full operation, the rink is covered with 30,800 sq feet of smooth ice according to the highest professional standards. Children and adults are charged hourly fees to enjoy some freestyle skating on the rink on a seasonal schedule.

Classes in figure skating and hockey are available to those interested in developing advanced skills on the ice (see the official website for fees). An annual figure skating competition takes place at Wollman Rink. Fundraisers and other fun events are sometimes set up to promote educational, social, health, and other great local causes.

During the summer season, the rink is transformed into a small amusement park that’s known as Victoria Gardens. Some of the most popular rides at this park include the Kite Flyer, Grand Prix, Rainbow Wheel, and Samba Balloon. Magicians, food vendors, and other carnival-style people also roam the grounds at Victoria Gardens.

History

A successful stock trader from Kansas, William J. Wollman moved to New York City in the early 20th century to advance his professional career. After her brother passed away in 1937, Kate Wollman collected a significant inheritance. The generous woman donated some of the money for the opening of an ice skating rink in the heart of Central Park. After receiving $600,000, New York City immediately invested in a project according to the requests of the Wollman family.

In 1949, a rink opened to the public under a name that honored the donors. According to official attendance records that were collected by the city’s parks department, more than 300,000 visitors enjoyed the new facility within the first year. Since then, Wollman Rink has become a solid recreational fixture in Central Park.

It’s also worth mentioning that the Wollman family funded the Lasker Rink and Swimming Pool at the northern tip of the park. For generations, skating at Wollman Rink has been an important tradition for families living in or visiting NYC during the holiday season.

Visiting Wollman Rink

Situated in the southeastern corner of Central Park, Wollman Rink is accessible only by foot or bicycle. The New York City Subway network offers several convenient ways to get to this popular skating rink.

The 5th Avenue/59 Street station is served by the N, R, and W lines that run through the heart of Midtown Manhattan. You can also take the Q train to the 57th Street station near 7th Avenue. Part of the A, B, C, and D routes, the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station is also located within a comfortable walking distance of Wollman Rink. Additionally, several underground subway stops on Lexington Avenue are situated within close proximity to the rink.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) buses can drop you off at various points along 5th Avenue or West 59th Street. The Wollman Rink is nested in a heavily wooded area, so you should use some other famous landmarks for reference, such as the Central Park Zoo. Visitor parking near the rink isn’t available, so you might want to rent a bicycle from the numerous kiosks in the area. You should also note that no public parking lots are available in any part of Central Park.

Location: Two-minute walk from the Central Park South entrance at 59th Street and 6th Avenue. Follow the footpath directly into the park and stay to the right. New York, NY

Click here to visit Wollman Rink official website.

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