On Thursday, Interior Secretary Doug Burgham visited the Brooklyn Sports Complex to celebrate the reopening of its ice rink, which was facing potential closure until intervention from parents involved in youth hockey.
Cabinet members even took a turn on the Zamboni at the Aviator Sports & Events Center in Midwood, a place buzzing with energy.
“I saw young hockey players here—and their gratitude was palpable,” Burgham shared, reflecting on the significance of the event amid worries about the rink’s future.
“We’re committed to keeping these facilities accessible for young people through the National Park System,” he remarked.
Back in March, the Aviator had announced it would have to shut down due to its lease with the National Park Service expiring in April.
This grim news prompted concerned parents of hockey and skating kids to mobilize.
They compiled a binder with photos of their children, outlining their aspirations, and delivered it to the White House and the National Park Service.
“Some parents even drove all the way to NPS headquarters,” said Jana Salerno, one of the mothers.
Their grassroots efforts proved effective.
Aviator Hockey and Fighting Skating Club announced last month that it was back in operation, thanks to collaboration with park officials and investors.
“We can’t express how relieved we are,” Salerno expressed.
“When the rink was closed for that brief period, all our coaches had to find other venues to work at.”
Her daughter, Michaela, who is figure skating, added, “I was in tears of joy when I heard it was reopening.”
The 175,000-square-foot multisport facility has faced numerous challenges, including the shutdown due to COVID-19 and its reopening in 2023 amid New York City’s immigration crisis.
Although the immigrant tent city was dismantled in January, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated in February that the site would no longer be utilized as temporary housing.
The ice rink is set to operate again, and the outdoor fields will be accessible; however, the gymnastics studio remains closed, according to facility director Chris Weltin.
“We’re extremely thankful for the chance to operate our programs and have this access,” he said.
