A winter tradition: Vintage photos of the WWII Veterans War Memorial Skating Rink on Staten Island

Editor’s note: A version of this story was originally published in 2019. It has been updated by Sydney Maldonado.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The temperature outside has been frigid, and you know what that means — the WWII Veterans War Memorial Skating Rink in Clove Lakes Park is back open for business.

Each year, Staten Island skating enthusiasts flock to this popular Sunnyside rink to stretch their legs — and test their balance — in a unique, picturesque setting.

The rink, which first opened in 1970 as the “War Memorial Skating Rink,” is available for adult and youth lessons, as well as parties and events — but is worth the trip even just for a few hours of family fun.

The bubble that for years encased the WWII Veterans Memorial Rink at Clove Lakes Park is no more, and the refurbished facility debuted in 2011.

The rink typically opens in mid-November each year.

Scroll for more vintage photos.

1971Young and old alike enjoy the War Memorial Skating Rink in Clove Lakes Park.Staten Island Advance1974A view of the War Memorial Skating Rink in 1974.Staten Island AdvanceSkaters enjoy night skating in 1974.Staten Island Advance1977Vintage photo from 1977.Staten Island Advance1980Young Ken Lorentzen takes a turn around the ice in 1980 with one hand behind his back.Staten Island AdvanceYoungsters have a ball at the rink in 1980.Staten Island Advance1982As winter wanes…The War Memorial Skating Rink in Clove Lakes Park was filled with skaters, taking advantage of mile temperatures. Highs today should approach 50 degrees, with rain moving into the area by tomorrow night.Staten Island Advance1987Skaters at War Memorial Skating Rink at Clove Lakes Park in 1987.Staten Island Advance1992Skaters in 1992.Staten Island AdvanceThe bubble at War Memorial Skating Rink is prepared for inflation in 1992.

Staten Island AdvanceWorkers inflated the bubble in 1992.Staten Island Advance1993In 1993, the War Memorial Skating Rink bubble collapsed due to high winds that ripped a 100-foot hole in the structure.Staten Island AdvanceA newly-repaired bubble in 1993.Staten Island Advance2001Brian Pisano of Castleton Corners, and Daniel Quattrocchi of Prince’s Bay glide along the ice in 2001.Staten Island AdvanceMario Valenti of Graniteville and his 5-year old son Matthew enjoy a visit to the War Memorial Skating Rink in 2001.Staten Island Advance2005Jordan Darden, 7, and his brother, Evan, 14, of West Brighton, try out their skates in 2005.STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE