Two ice skating rinks in Central Park, managed by the Trump Organization, will remain open for the remainder of the season, CBS New York reports. The runways were due to close Sunday at 4 p.m. because New York City is severing ties with the Trump Organization due to the Capitol riot.
“New York City kids deserve all the time on the ice they can get this year,” Bill Neidhardt, press secretary for New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, said in a statement. “The tracks of Wollman and Lasker will remain open under current management for the few weeks remaining this season. But make no mistake, we will not do business with the Trump organization in the future. Inciting an insurrection will never be forgotten or forgiven.”
Although the contract with the Trump Organization runs until April, the leases on the Wollman track and the Lasker track were to be terminated on February 26th. The initial closing date on Sundays had been chosen to give time to the Trump organization.
Families refused the move, with a skater asking for more time. “A lot of things have been taken away from us this year, and that was something that kept us all together,” Mya Henning told CBS New York. “We only ask for six more weeks.”
Eric Trump, the executive vice president of the Trump Organization and son of former President Trump, issued a statement to CBS New York calling the measure a “political trap that only hurts New Yorkers.”
After reversing the decision, Trump thanked De Blasio Twitter, and said he waits “eager to say” thank you “in person.”
The Trump Organization will also not stop operating the carousel in Central Park, as well as a golf course in the Bronx. The Trump Organization is calling for the city’s decision to cut ties.
The city is looking for replacement operators, although it is unclear when a replacement will be appointed.