ALBANY — The Empire State Plaza ice rink is open, extending an invitation to the community to put on their ice skates and enjoy the winter fun. The Office of General Services (OGS) is carrying on this annual skating tradition that began in 1976 and continues every winter.
“Everything that we do at the Plaza is free, which makes it very easy for families or people who just want to come out to a fun winter activity,” said Georgina Parsons, Associate Commissioner for Communications & Media.
“It’s so much fun at the Plaza to see a family with a child there, and they’re all skating together,” said Bobbi Hammond, a skating professional and member of the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club’s (HMFSC) board of directors. “It’s such a wonderful family activity that you can do at the Empire State Plaza.”
Since 2014, a free Learn to Skate program has been offered. HMFSC will be hosting classes for people of all ages and skill levels on every first Saturday of the month. Registration in advance is recommended.
“At the Plaza, you’re outdoors, you have fresh air, and it’s just so much fun,” said Hammond. “The Plaza is a great introduction to the sport.”
For skaters who don’t own a pair, ice skates are provided. Brand new skaters are recommended to wear a helmet. During the 30-minute lesson from a qualified professional, students will learn essential skating skills, such as how to skate, stop, and fall safely, and even ‘a few little tricks in-between’.
“The more lessons you take, the more skilled you will become,” added Hammond. “What you learn, you’ll be able to take and use safely in public sessions at the Plaza and local ice rinks.”
For the skaters at the Plaza, lockers, skate rentals, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. Children’s helmets, ice walkers and trainers for beginning skaters are also available free of charge.
“Skating is generally an expensive sport,” said Hammond. “You need good equipment and to pay for lessons and rink time; this can be costly for some. This is a great way for everybody to skate and enjoy the sport.”
The rink’s central location encourages accessibility to all the surrounding communities. “Everything that we do at the Plaza, we want to ensure that the community feels invited and involved,” said Parsons.
The Plaza’s average yearly attendance of 25,000 visitors to the rink has included internationally known figure skaters. Skating stars who have taken the stage include Paul Wylie, Johnny Weir, Ekaterina Gordeeva, Sarah Hughes, Ryan Bradley, and Nancy Kerrigan. The rink itself is the centerpiece each year for New York State’s holiday tree lighting and fireworks display, maintaining this annual tradition since 1976.
This year, 14 of HMFSC’s advanced students led the way at the annual celebration for the tree-lighting at the Plaza. Parsons noted that with the trees lit and the view of the Capital Buildings, it’s an “Instagram-worthy” moment for everyone to enjoy.
“When people are active and having fun skating, it’s kind of like dancing or sharing food. People engage better, and it breaks down those walls. It can create a community and make people feel together,” said Parsons. “It’s fun and thriving. Come out and enjoy it.”
For Empire Skate Plaza rink status updates and additional information on Winter at the Plaza events and activities, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.