New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-30
SKATERS ARE HAPPY.
DIG TiIRoNGS At VAN CoRTLANDT PARK-A NEV
SKATE HOUSE At CENTRAL PARK.

BIG TiIRONGS At VAN CORTLANDT PARk-A NE"
SKATE HOUSE At CENTRAL PARK.
The magic red ball which heralds skating ana
sets the blood OF every wel-resulated youth on hre
made lis appearance yesterday. There was ho
skating at Central Park yesterday. ana th"re Is
not likely to be any for "A day or Two Se'' nut
there was plenty % skating at Van Cortlandt 'ro-
iona and St Marys lakes. In the upper district.
The red ball announcing skating was displayed
at Van Cortlandt Park early I'm the day. AMI by
D. m II was estimated that fully l0.oV people were
present The ice was as solid as rock ana was
In fairly good condition. and the merry crown u
rosy-cheeked girls and fun-lovnS boys were having
a rolicking time OF it, \ gang OF men had been
put to work early In the day scrapng the ice ana
smoothing over the rough places. and the ice was
In good condition for the early comers
II looked as II the lakes would have TO he closed
IN the public at o'clock as little provision had
been made for lighting them. Those In charge
however succeeded in making deal with me
elevated road officials. and enough headlight Loco
motive lamps were secured with which 10 FURNISH
the necessary light Preparations Will be made TO
accommodate the throngs who are sure to 20 10
the lakes to-day.
Many people slipped. slid and stumbled or their
way TO the lakes In Central Park hoping even
against the word OF the park policemen mat thry
would be able to enjoy little skating on the lakes
They were disappointed. however Tor the zee %" the
lakes is not yet strong enough
Park Superintendent Parsons said that he
thought the lakes would be got in condition FOR
skating by Monday Tuesday, at the least
provided. OF course. that thaw did not SET III.
e. d. f.. Burns, the secretary or Tie fark Boifu
Is a friend of the young skaters, and he said ina
everything possible for their accommodation wouit
be- done There Is nothing in the story said
h.. that the lack OF funds has anything TO do
with the accommodations offered 10 skaters IN Cen
tral Park Az the ice Is strong enough
W., Will do the We have already made APP
plications TO the Street-C Cleaning Department Tor
four swrepers be used on the lakes. As soon
ns the ice Is strong enough II Will be shaved OF,
swept and Hooded If necessary.
There was skating In Central Park last year
although there was some good sport at Van 'ort-
changed during the last few years. and the ice
does not form nearly quickly AZ II did The
erection OF buildings about the Park accounts for
this TO my mind. For several years We had the
skating house put up. and then there would be no
Ice The structure out. ana ir We had hdd
any skating last season we should not nave been
prepared for II. 49,,
Ne are building new house especially for the
skaters and we expect 10 have IL ready about Jan
nary TO- Ii H. OF the portable kind. and II VIII be
taken down and stored away during the summer
story in height. with frontage OF III feet by .,
feet deep. There Will also be an extension: The
house viii contain u ladies' toilet, Kitchen lunch
room aud skateroom. While regular dinner
,ilI III, served skaters VIII BE- able TO get oysters
cnfee MES sandwiches and stuff of that sort.
old Boreas is busy over In Brooklyn making lee
bnt he needs little more time. and In conse-
uu-ncc there will be no skating on the lakes at
Prospect Park until tomorrow.