Prospect Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, January 15, 2003

OVER 500 ACTIVITIES OFFERED DURING WINTER FESTIVAL 2003

On January 6, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, joined by Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris, Commissioner Adrian Benepe, and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate Levin, announced the City of New York’s Winter Festival 2003, presented by American Express. The festival was kicked off by Parks in Central Park on Saturday, January 11, and will end on February 2 with a Groundhog Day event at the Staten Island Zoo. The Festival features over 500 indoor and outdoor activities, many free of charge, at numerous cultural centers and parks throughout the five boroughs for people of all ages. Below is the list if the events sponsored by Parks & Recreation. A complete list of activities during the month-long celebration can be found at www.nyc.gov/winterfest.

Wednesday, January 15, 2003, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn (enter at Wellhouse Drive)

Thursday, January 16, 2003, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (Rockwood Drive, near the stables off Broadway)

The U.S.A. Luge Association hosts a demonstration of luge for adults and children who want to learn the basics by taking a spin on a street-ready luge sled. The event is free and open to everyone.

Saturday, January 18, 2003, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Brooklyn Promenade, Cranberry Streets and Columbia Heights, Brooklyn Heights

Watch as ice carvers from the Tri-State area compete for the title of "Best Ice Carver" by transforming an enormous block of ice into a glistening work of art with the help of Ice Fantasies. This event is free and open to everyone.

Tuesday, January 21, 2003, 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Flushing Meadow-Corona Park, Queens (World’s Fair Ice Rink)

Wednesday, January 22, 2003, 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Clove Lakes Park, Staten Island (ice rink, Victory Blvd West of Clove Road)

Members of the U.S. Speed Skating Team, including Eric Flaim, will glide across the ice in a speed skating demonstration. After watching the experts, there will be an opportunity to learn about the origins of this Winter Olympic tradition. This event is free and open to everyone.

Saturday, January 25, 2003, 3:00 – 7:45 p.m.

Central Park, Manhattan (Lasker Rink, Central Park North at Lenox Avenue)

Saturday, January 25, 2003, 11:45 a.m.

Central Park, Manahattan (Wollman Rink, mid-park at 63^rd Street

Join the Ice Theatre of New York to see how professionals transform ice skating into dancing. This event is free and open to everyone.

Saturday, February 1, 2003, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn (Kate Wollman Rink, East Drive between Lincoln Road and Parkside Avenue)

Learn about one of the most unique sports of the Olympic Winter Games by watching a professional curling demonstration in Prospect Park. After watching the athletes in action, on-lookers will be invited to try curling. This event is free and open to everyone.

Saturday, February 1, 2003, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (bldg. 9 Community Room, Amalgamated Housing)

Children of all ages are invited to this fun-filled afternoon of nature stories and craft-making related to the park’s own ecosystems. This event is free and open to everyone.

"The only people who say worse things

about politicians than reporters do are other politicians."

(b. January 15, 1919)