Summertime Skating Rink Opens on May 26 on Governors Island
May 22, 2018 11:09 am
The Trust for Governors Island today announced the opening of a new summertime skating rink along Governors Island’s Western shore. Made from a synthetic material designed for metal ice skates, Mel’s Rink Governors Island will give New Yorkers the rare opportunity to skate during the summer months and is the first outdoor skating opportunity on Governors Island. Skate rentals will be available for ages, with free skating every weekday from 10AM-12PM. The rink officially opens to the public on Saturday, May 26.
“Governors Island is already a beloved recreational destination, but what could be more fun than summertime ice skating in view of the Statue of Liberty?” said Michael Samuelian, President of the Trust for Governors Island. “Whether you’re an amateur skater or seasoned-pro, we can’t wait to see New Yorkers turning ice skating upside down on our new rink that allows for skating in the summer sun.”
One of the only places in New York City to skate during the summer months, Governors Island’s 8,000 square-foot skating rink is built in partnership with Mel’s Rink Foundation, a Maryland-based non-profit that provides mentally and physically challenged children and adults with skating and hockey lessons, sports skills and spaces to play. Originally located on the rooftop of the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., Mel’s Rink moves to Governors Island this season, the organization’s first venture in New York City.
“Governors Island is a place to discover the unexpected, and we’re thrilled to bring an unexpected recreational opportunity to New Yorkers for the first time - summertime ice skating!” said Karen Brooks Hopkins, Trust for Governors Island Board Member and Senior Advisor, the Onassis Foundation. “When I first discovered Mel’s Rink on the roof of the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., I immediately pictured a larger version for New York City skaters on Governors Island, right in view of Lady Liberty. We invite visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy a one of a kind skating experience this summer.”
“The Mel’s Rink Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with Governors Island on such a unique and exciting opportunity,” said Marc Kohn, Founder of Mel’s Rink Foundation. “To bring the immense joy of skating fun to the NYC community during the summer is exhilarating!”
Located along the Island’s Western Promenade near historic Castle Williams and in view of the Statue of Liberty, Mel’s Rink Governors Island will be open daily from 10AM-5PM on weekdays and from 10AM-6PM weekends beginning Saturday, May 26. The rink will remain open during Governors Island’s Late Fridays until 9PM beginning Friday, June 1. Free skating is available on weekdays for the first hour from 10AM-12PM.
For Skate Rentals + Rink Access, the rates are as follows:
$20 for adults
$15 for children
If you bring your own skates, rink access is:
$10 for adults
$5 for children
Mel’s Rink utilizes state-of-the art synthetic technology to provide skaters with an “ice like” feel unmatched in the industry. The synthetic ice is high density plastic polymer that mimics the properties of real ice, designed for use with traditional ice skates with sharp metal blades. Mel’s Rink performs skate sharpening throughout the day, so every skater has an exceptional experience. Skate sharpening demonstrations are open to the public whenever the rink is open.
Governors Island and Mel’s Rink will announce special programming, on-site food and beverage and special guest skaters at the rink throughout the summer.
Governors Island is open to the public seven days a week from May 1 through October 31 from
10 AM to 6 PM weekdays, from 10AM-10 PM on Fridays between May 25-September 14 and from 10 AM to 7 PM weekends.
About Mel’s Rink Foundation
The Mel’s Rink Foundation was formed after the untimely passing of founder, Marc Kohn’s step-daughter, Melanie. Mel was a huge hockey fan and the original Mel’s Rink was built in her honor. The Mel’s Rink Foundation is committed to building synthetic rinks open to the public, but with a focus on teaching kids with different needs and those from disadvantaged families, how to skate and play the great game of hockey.