Reading, PA — The city’s long-awaited plans for a winter ice rink are becoming a reality, this time, at a new location.
Mayor Eddie Morán walked us through the proposed site at City Park just before a public meeting aimed at gathering final community input.
After a previous location sparked controversy, the city shifted gears and is now fully focused on this central, more accessible space.
“Look at this space,” said Morán. “It’s an 80-by-100-foot rink, one of the biggest sizes you’ll normally see.”
The mayor says the change of location came after weeks of feedback and reevaluation. Now, with the funding, contractor, and vendor already lined up, the project is moving ahead quickly.
“We’ve carefully made decisions to make sure this isn’t just an ice rink,” he added. “It’s coming with a vendor that’s ready to promote activities that have already worked in other cities.”
For anyone who has visited City Park in the winter, the choice makes sense. The same hill where kids and adults sled after a snowfall could soon become the backdrop for skating and winter fun.
“Picture it,” said Morán. “A nice skating rink, winter activities, families coming together, this is about creating an outdoor space for our youth, our kids, our community.”
City officials say the project aims to bring affordable, inclusive recreation to Reading families year-round.