Central Park’s iconic landmark, Wollman Rink, is gearing up for its 75th-anniversary celebration. The organizers have announced a series of festivities scheduled for late October, including free ice skating, special performances, giveaways, and an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the “largest ice skating lesson”.
The record-breaking challenge is set to take place on October 25th (Saturday). Wollman Rink is calling for 600 ice skating enthusiasts to participate in a 30-minute skating lesson, aiming to surpass the 2014 world record of 523 participants. The lesson will be conducted by the rink’s professional coaching team and is open to individuals aged 10 and above with basic skating skills.
Participants can register on the official Wollman Rink website, with early registrants getting the chance to win family ice skating passes, private party experiences, and commemorative merchandise. Those who do not possess the required skating abilities for safety reasons are ineligible for the record challenge but can still join other free activities.
The weekend celebration will run from October 24th to 26th, offering free entry on Friday and Saturday to enjoy the festive atmosphere, delights, witness figure skating performances, and featuring a special Family Movie Night event on Sunday at The Overlook.
Stacy Shuster, Vice President of Operations and Community Impact at Wollman Rink, mentioned that besides the Guinness World Record attempt, this year’s festivities will introduce new attractions such as the upgraded Igloo Village, free community events, and skating lessons suitable for all age groups.
Moreover, the venue’s dining options are abundant, with Wollman Café and Melba’s on the Overlook serving culinary delights throughout the winter season; skaters can also reserve transparent ice igloos equipped with heaters and blankets to stay warm while enjoying the scenic views of Central Park.
Wollman Rink offers various discount policies for city residents, including free entry for those with New York Public Library cards and discounted ticket prices for holders of the New York City municipal ID (IDNYC).
Since its opening in 1950, Wollman Rink has been a witness to countless joyful moments shared by New Yorkers and visitors alike. This 75th-anniversary celebration promises a record-breaking ice skating lesson and a lineup of exciting events to kick off winter in New York City.