The Best Part Of The Season Is Yet To Come In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Travel to tropical climates over the school break can be a hassle, but in New Rochelle, there is one last chance to enjoy a few of the best things about winter.

The City of New Rochelle announced that a giant pop-up outdoor skating rink is coming to Lincoln Park during the mid-winter vacation week.

Officials say that the rink, which will be three times bigger than the one that was at the Holiday Market, will be open daily from noon - 7 p.m., from February 17 - February 24, conditions permitting.

Guests will be able to skate for free, with free rentals, and the first 100 visitors daily will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate.

On February 21, the rink will be transformed into a day-long Winter Carnival by the New Rochelle Community Justice Center. The entire community is invited to join in fun activities such as arcade and carnival games, a bounce house, arts & crafts, wellness treatments, and seasonal dining offerings from local vendors and community partners.

"The New Rochelle Community Justice Center is honored to join the community and to partner on this project," said Amanda Nathan, Project Director for the New Rochelle Community Justice Center. "We are excited for our youth participants to contribute by creating space for community members to come together and enjoy some winter fun! We are grateful to the City of New Rochelle and Councilman Peters for valuing projects that support a strong, connected, and vibrant community for all."

New Rochelle invites everyone to celebrate the opening of the Lincoln Park ice rink and Winter Carnival with a kickoff event on February 21, at 11:45 a.m. Council Member David Peters (District 3) and a representative from the New Rochelle Community Justice Center will deliver remarks to welcome New Rochelle residents to extend their winter fun, and even their holiday shopping, at the mid-winter village and carnival.

"We are so excited to offer our community one last taste of the joyous winter season here in the City of New Rochelle," Peters, who first brought the ice rink proposal to the city council, said. "Ideal for local families to visit while school is closed for mid-winter recess, we’re thrilled to be able to open the Lincoln Park ice rink and Winter Carnival as a fun and free activity for children and their families to enjoy!"

In addition to ice skating, visitors will also be able to shop from a rotating list of local vendors offering artisan goods, food and beverages, and more, with three different small businesses spotlighted daily. Featured local vendors will include Decota Naturals, Savage Custom Crafts, Humble Bumble, Sibalhe Teas, Asantis Jewels, JMckinley Bags, Matrix on the Go, Ray's Empanadas, and Taqueria del Valle

"We are delighted to bring an extra touch of winter magic to New Rochelle with the introduction of a pop-up ice skating rink and Winter Carnival at Lincoln Park. We wholeheartedly believe in creating regular opportunities for interaction and family fun, fostering a shared sense of identity and strengthening the bonds within our city’s diverse neighborhoods," said Kathleen Gill, City Manager of New Rochelle. "We look forward to opening the rink as a fun, festive, and free activity for families to enjoy the warmth and charm of New Rochelle."

CircuitNR, New Rochelle’s free electric shuttle service, will provide rides to the rink within the designated service area. Free on-street parking is available around Lincoln Park.