The new roller rink at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2 officially opened last Friday, drawing hundreds of skaters young and old to get their glide on.
One attendee brought her grandchildren in an attempt to pass along the skating bug.
“I’m trying to get them into skating,” said Joy Howard, who came from Canarsie. “And this is the perfect place to do it.”
The Brooklyn Courier’s roller bureau took a few turns on the rink by the river and found a smooth ride, with the plastic-based surface offering a softer landing than the concrete rink at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park. And Howard’s granddaughter concurs.
“I like falling, because then I get right back up and try again,” said 8-year-old Deja Swaby.
The rink’s operator New York Skating is offering rental in-line- and roller-skates for $6 a pair. Admission varies depending on the day of the week and the time, but some sessions on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays are free. There will be adults-only skate sessions with a disc jockey on Tuesdays and Sundays.
New York Skating wants to roll out hockey in the coming weeks, as well as roller derby.
Some new skaters said the combination of the facility and the expansive harbor vista have them hooked.
“It’s wonderful here,” said Nascha Streng, who rolled in from Williamsburg for the opening-day free ride, which was her second-ever time on skates. “This view is great.”
The newly opened Pier 2 portion of Brooklyn’s front yard also offers basketball, handball, bocce, and shuffleboard courts, and the park’s head said the rink is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
“There really is something for everyone here,” said Regina Myers, president of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation.
Roller rink at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park [Near the Pier 1 entrance at Old Fulton and Furman streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 300–2401, www.brooklynbridgeskating.com]. Monday–Sunday, 10 am–10 pm. Prices vary.
