Central Park’s Wollman Rink glided today as the NYC Free Skate Lessons drew 2,000. Over 500 learned—spins to stops; a Bronx kid’s first glide won X’s 6,000 clips. Free skates—300 pairs rented; $5 cocoas sold 200. Live band—100 cheered; 44°F sun shone. NYC’s ice—park’s joyful.
Coach Lena Cruz, 40, led 20 instructors—beginners steadied free. A 12-year-old’s wobbly spin—landed—sparked 300 laughs; crowd clapped. Pop-up skate sharpening—100 blades honed—kept smooth. New heaters—eco-smart—warmed benches. Wollman’s vibe—NYC’s winter heart.
It’s not perfect—rink packed; lines hit 25 minutes. Ice slick—some fell; medics ready. Still, 500 learners, 2K eyes—lessons hit big. Post-skate, 59th Street buzzed—ice talk flowed. Weekly run—NYC slides.
Cruz’s 40—skate hero? Kid’s 12—future star. Park glided; NYC glowed. Skate Lessons—glide on.