Wollman Rink To Close 2/26 -A Petition Has Been Started For Mayor De Blasio To Keep It Open

There is a call to action as supporters are rallying to keep the iconic Wollman Rink open past the recently announced close date of February 26th.

Wollman Rink is a stunning and majestic place to skate safely during these trying times and now, more than ever, families need more organized outdoor sport and activity options during the pandemic. Any day at Wollman Rink you may find novice skaters learning to skate at the skate school, dedicated figure skaters diligently working on their skating skills, jumps, and spins in the figure skating academy, ice hockey skaters scoring goals, and everyday people skating for a recreational activity that is fun and COVID safe.

Wollman Rink is a home away from home and the ice is their life for so many coaches who pour their heart and soul into their jobs, and all the aspiring and accomplished skaters alike who flourish in their skating academy and work so hard! Thousands of children look forward to their weekly skating lessons, daily academy classes, and kids of all ages love skating at their favorite place in NYC! Coaches have worked tirelessly with skaters on their goals, skills, and can do so safely with significant space at Wollman Rink. There is no other open-air rink in NYC with such an established skating school, and rigorous and bountiful athletic program offerings.

The skating school and the beautiful rink are a tremendous resource to NYC families and its closure would be a detriment and come at the expense of the thousands looking forward to the remainder and culmination of the ice skating season. The future of all of these amazing activities and enriching programs is also in jeopardy.

The Wollman Rink Skating School is an incredible program led by an outstanding team. The dedicated director, Elise Preston, is also a member of the U.S. Figure Skating Board of Directors, and has seen countless children learn to skate and flourish on the ice. There is an impressive array of coaches who give their all each and every day. The students love what they do and have an incredible experience culminating at the end of the season. It is heartbreaking to see an already shortened skating season potentially come to an abrupt end. Families hope that the Wollman Rink will be able to continue to operate the spectacular skating school and continue its legacy.

To sign the petition to Stop Wollman from closing, click here.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!&nbsp;&nbsp;Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day&rsquo;s robot in their own &ldquo;workshop&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Foundry&rsquo;s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!&nbsp;