This winter, for the first time in recent history, it’s possible to ice skate underneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
Organizers reported that since November, when Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park opened, almost 300 people have been on it at any given time. Patrons skate on real ice under twinkling lights and past digital art, then retire to a glass-walled cafe for refreshments. A new rink on the rooftop of Pier 17 in Manhattan’s South Street Seaport neighborhood offers synthetic ice. The Edge, the observation deck at a skyscraper in Hudson Yards, and the Oculus at the World Trade Center also offered skating. Luna Park in Coney Island featured a new rink until January 7.
More rink options are available this winter in America, offering proficient and aspirational skaters alike a seasonal activity. The rinks involve synthetic ice, food, drink, and affordable prices. In Portland, a new outdoor rink opened for the first time in 24 years. Due to the shortage of snow, many local ski resorts opened late, heightening the rink’s popularity.
Many of the rinks strive to create new vibes, surrounding the rinks with winter villages and holding themed events attracting various demographics. Some new rinks are giving people a chance to try skating for the first time, attracting more beginners to the sport overall.
Not all new rinks have been a hit, especially among those looking for an authentic experience. A 27-year-old nail technician in Coral Springs, Fla. described a new synthetic ice rink as a disappointment, preferring a more traditional ice skating experience.