anyone have the scoop?

[liz_on_ice]

So a year ago there was a raft of publicity for the Topping Out of the new Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool and Ice Rink. The new rink is supposed to open Fall 2007, which is to say, any time now.

Judging by the complete lack of current news to be found via google, I'm guessing they aren't making it. Anyone in the know? Where's that "secret sources" gremlin when you need him?

[Isk8NYC]

This was last year's article, right?
http://www.nydailynews.com/boroughs/2006/10/31/2006-10-31_qns_park_pool_rink_open_soon.html

Funding article - you could contact the reporter for an update.
http://www.timesledger.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18201822&BRD=2676&PAG=461&dept_id=551067&rfi=6

The Parks Dept has some construction photos on their website:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/photo/thumbnails.php?album=52

The Parks Dept's Sept 2007 Newsletter says the rink is opening "later this fall."
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/images/metro_parks.pdf

The ISI didn't mention the facility at all (unlike Aviator's opening), so I'm guessing it's another NYC Parks' concession-based rink, like the World's Fair and Abe Stark arenas.

[Isk8NYC]

I was at CitiField (new home of the NY Mets) this weekend and I badgered my husband into stopping so I could check out the rinks.

The old World's Fair rink is shuttered. I guess they've begun renovating for the museum expansion.

The new rink ("World Ice") is in the same building as the indoor swimming center and it was super clean, inside and out. The bathrooms were immaculate and there was no graffiti anywhere to be found.

Ribbon Cutting Article: http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2009/03/24/news/top_stories/doc49c91377b9b55353662343.txt (http://www.queenscourier.com/articles/2009/03/24/news/top_stories/doc49c91377b9b55353662343.txt)

The literature they had out was sparse for lessons and figure skating, but it was available. The hockey literature slots were filled. Maybe I just came after a busy time. They have freestyles several days each week, including evenings, and a "social dance" session as well.
http://worldice.pucksystems.com/page/show/65219-freestyle-sessions

There were two very nice young ladies at a table handling skate school inquiries and registrations. It's an ISI Learn to Skate program, six weeks for $120, includes a public session admission on the day of class. No sign of a skating club, but I thought there was one in the old rink.

One note: they must be concerned about security because there's a security guard in the lobby, notes saying not to leave valuables unsecured/unattended and many signs about bringing your own sturdy lock for the lockers. (With illustrations!) So, bring a good lock for the lockers, gang.

Call before you go to check schedule information: http://worldice.pucksystems.com/page/show/53093-home (http://worldice.pucksystems.com/page/show/53093-home)

[liz_on_ice]

Yes, I mentioned going here in the practice threads but forgot to update this thread. I like the new place very much, the ice is so nice, it's hard to describe. I think they keep it softer, it feels almost creamy. I love it.

One thing to watch out for is the free parking in front of the center is also overflow parking for the new ballpark. I went on Saturday afternoon during their big opening event and they had been charging $18.95 for parking. Luckily I arrived near the end of the event and nobody was taking money anymore, but the sign was still up. I don't know what, if anything, is available for swimmers and skaters during ballgames.