Harlem Ice Skaters Need Home Ice
Figure Skating in Harlem, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching young women of color skills on and off the ice, is aiming for a major milestone — a rink of its own. Despite being featured in a five-part documentary, the organization still struggles with limited access to ice time, which it calls its “most significant pain point.” A dedicated rink would allow skaters to practice essential moves like three-turns, crossovers, Lutzes, and axels without the constraints of rented spaces.
For 27 years, the group has rented practice time at rinks in Manhattan and Queens, paying between $200 to $500 an hour — totaling over $100,000 annually. This cost is one of the largest items in its budget. But more than finances, the logistical challenges are significant. The closest rink, Riverbank State Park, is outdoors, leaving practices vulnerable to weather. “Sometimes, we have warm weather,” said Sharon Cohen, the nonprofit’s CEO, “and the ice is canceled.”
Climate change has worsened these issues, shortening the skating season. “We used to go to the ice from October to April,” Cohen noted, “now it’s November to March.” As a result, skaters average just three hours of ice time a week, hindering their ability to develop skills and compete on the same level as peers with more consistent access.
To address these challenges, Figure Skating in Harlem is seeking a site to build its own rink. “All children deserve access to home ice of their own,” said Cohen, adding that a dedicated facility would allow the organization to serve more skaters and offer consistent practice opportunities, free from weather-related cancellations and scheduling conflicts.
The program balances figure skating with academics, requiring participants to complete schoolwork before hitting the ice. This approach has yielded impressive results: last year, all eight seniors in the program were accepted to college, earning more than $2 million in scholarships. Participants are expected to maintain at least a B average, with most striving for an A.
Figure Skating in Harlem also benefits from high-profile supporters. The Disney+ documentary “Harlem Ice” has brought new attention to the organization, with executive producers Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, and Robin Roberts backing the project. Local politicians like Assemblyman Jordan Wright and City Council member Yusef Salaam have also voiced their support for the group’s mission and its goal of building a dedicated rink.
A feasibility study commissioned by the group confirmed the urgent need for a rink of its own. Conducted by RES Group, the study highlighted the challenges the organization faces in securing rink time, often competing with private schools and adult hockey leagues. Owning and operating a rink would help alleviate this issue and reduce expenses, including the $20,000 spent annually to bus students to distant rinks for off-season training.
Transportation remains a significant hurdle, with families frequently carpooling to practices during the skating season. Even short trips to Riverbank State Park come with risks — like illness from cold weather. Nigel-Ann La Qua Williamson, whose daughters skate with the program, noted that both recently caught colds after skating outdoors. Despite these challenges, Figure Skating in Harlem remains committed to its mission of empowering young women through skating and education, hoping that a rink of its own will help it reach even greater heights.
