City to open new skating rink in November

Last Thursday, while many Philadelphians were sweating in the late summer heat, Mayor Ed Rendell cooled things off at Penn's Landing by unveiling the plans for a new outdoor ice skating rink. The ice rink will be located right along side the river overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on Columbus Blvd. at Chestnut Street. According to Jodie Stein Milkman, director of Public Relations and Special Events for the Penn's Landing Corporation, "the ice rink will further enhance the waterfront by giving it a year round attraction and destination." The rink is scheduled to open on November 25 and will close at the end of February annually. New York's Rockefeller Center serves as the model for the rink, but one major difference is that Philadelphia's rink will be portable. "Rinks usually need a permanent structure based on metal and cement, but we wanted something temporary so we're using a plastic mat system that can be rolled away in the spring," said Milkman. According to Milkman, the rink will not only be enjoyable to skate on, but will also be beautiful to look at. "The rink facility will not look like an ice rink plopped in the middle of a parking lot," she said. "We've hired a local architect and a graphic designer to beautify the rink, [and] there will be a magnificent lighted artwork structure along with castle-like warming tents." The ice rink will offer public skating, instructional programs and private rental availability. "Basically the outdoor ice skating rink will be a very affordable, family-oriented, tourist attraction," added Milkman. Dominic Sabatini, president of the Penn's Landing Corporation, said the rink will attract more people to the city's waterfront. "The outdoor ice rink at Penn's Landing will add a new dimension to the Philadelphia waterfront and the city of Philadelphia," he said. "The rink is part of the Penn's Landing Corporation's continual commitment to enhance and develop the Philadelphia waterfront." The Delaware River Port Authority, the Penn's Landing Corporation and corporate sponsorships are providing about $500,000 in funding for the ice rink facility.