NEW YORK – A consortium of businesses and non-profit organizations will manage the ice skating rink Wollman Central Park, one of four recreational concessions that were operated by Donald Trump’s company until the city canceled contracts with the former president, the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation announced Tuesday.
A joint venture called Wollman Park Partners LLC win a five-year contract to operate the runway after submitting the winning bid for the project, city officials said.
The joint venture, which includes Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related companies, Equinox, the catering company Great Performances and local groups like Ice Hockey in Harlem, it will reinvest all proceeds in improving the runway, city officials said.
“It is New York City’s summer, but we are also preparing for an iconic winter,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a press release. “I am delighted that NYC Parks have found a quality operator to Wollman Rink who is committed to reinvesting in the community and creating a welcoming space for all New Yorkers. “
De Blasio, a Democrat, announced in January that the city would terminate business contracts with the Trump Organization over Trump’s role in the January 6 uprising on the U.S. Capitol.
The cancellations affected a golf course in the Bronx and a carousel and two ice skating rinks in Central Park. The Trump Organization sued the city last month over the contract to manage the golf course, Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point, calling the cancellation “purely politically motivated.”
De Blasio has said he expects the city to prevail in any litigation over Trump’s contracts.
While Wollman Rink in the southern section of Central Park should open this winter, Lasker Rink in the northern section of the park will be replaced with a new track and pool and will be closed during the upgrade, Parks Department officials said.
Central Amusement International, an amusement park developer, has been chosen to operate the carousel, authorities said.
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