By Bill Parry
Term limited City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) wants a skating rink in Astoria Park.
In a letter to city Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White, Vallone requested that the Astoria Park Pool area should be the site of an ice skating rink similar to the one opened at the McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn.
“This area in the Astoria Park Pool would make the perfect space for an ice skating rink for the residents of Queens to enjoy during the winter months,” Vallone wrote. “With the addition of an ice skating rink to the existing skate park and upcoming amphitheater, Astoria Park will be a destination for every season.”
Zach Feder, spokesman for the Parks Department, said, “We have received his proposal and we are reviewing it.”
No time frame was provided.
A 60-foot-wide skating rink opened two weeks ago in the middle of the huge pool at Greenpoint’s McCarren Park drawing thousands of skaters. The city worked out a concession agreement with Open Space Alliance to maintain and operate the rink and Vallone believes the same can be done at Astoria Park.
Vallone’s 12-year run as the District 22 councilman ends Dec. 31. He will be replaced on New Year’s Day by Costa Constantinides.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
