Pittsburgh's Schenley Park Skating Rink to reopen, celebrate 45 years
Sharpen those skates.
The Schenley Park Skating Rink will reopen Friday night.
After it closed in March for an overhaul, the rink is ready for skaters to glide across a new surface.
There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Pittsburgh officials at 6 p.m. followed by the first session of 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the rink, which is celebrating 45 years.
It needed to be repaired because of difficulties keeping the ice frozen, especially with temperature fluctuations, said Chris Hornstein, the city’s assistant public works director.
The $1.4 million project was paid for by money from the Allegheny Regional Asset District, the Schenley Ice Rink Trust Fund and the city, Hornstein said.
The first event to be held there will be the 33rd annual Citiparks Mascot Skate where more than 30 costumed characters will take to the ice from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. It’s a chance to skate with the likes of Iceburgh, Pirate Parrot, Steely McBeam and others.
We're excited for the @citypgh 33rd annual Mascot Skate at the Schenley Park Skating Rink! Meet and greet dozens of mascots at the event – including Iceburgh, Pirate Parrot & Penn State Nittany Lion!
Feb. 1 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Visit https://t.co/LO84onh8m1 for more info! pic.twitter.com/BiDt40uwCx— Pittsburgh Parks (@pittsburghparks) January 30, 2020
On Feb. 14, Valentine’s on Ice — an adults-only event — invites people to skate with their sweeties from 7 to 10 p.m.
During the renovation, the entire concrete rink was rebuilt and now has 13 miles of pipe underneath. There is also new, more efficient LED lighting, hockey team benches and seating for spectators. A sound system was also installed, along withdasher boards and plexiglass.
The rink is 200 feet long by 85 feet wide which is the rink’s original footprint.
The logo at center ice was created by artist Dan Buczynski, who works in the city’s sign shop. A few other markings will be on the inside of the boards, but Hornstein said they wanted to keep it clean and simple.
“With what we’ve done, we can now have longer hours and faster turnarounds for intermission,” Hornstein said. “It took longer than we expected but there were some delays and we wanted to do it right because this is one of the treasures in Pittsburgh. There are people who have grown up skating at this rink.”
There certainly are, as sking supervisor Mirella Ranollo can attest. She has skated there and has worked at the rink for more than two decades.
“People come from all over to skate here, not just from the city of Pittsburgh,” Ranallo said. “I can remember skaters from Australia and Germany and Florida who have been visiting, especially during the holidays. This rink is special, and I am so excited for it to reopen and see all the families I know who enjoy spending time here and making memories. It feels good to see the ice ready to skate on. It feels like old times.”
The Schenley Park Skating Rink is at 10341 Overlook Drive, Schenley Park
Skating sessions
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday
7 to 9 p.m., 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. (adults only) Tuesday
1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 5:15 to 6:45 Wednesday
6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday (family skate—one child free with each paying adult)
1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 6:30 to 9 p.m., 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. (adults only) Friday
1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 4 to 6:30 p.m., 7 to 9 p.m., 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. (adults only) Saturday
1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 4 to 6:30 p.m., 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday
Fees
Adults $5.50
Youth 17 and under $3.30
Senior Citizens $4.40
Skate Rental $3.30 (hockey skates available)
Skate Sharpening $5.50
Details
412-422-6523 or http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/schenley/rink
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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