For Immediate Release
February 3rd, 2025
Mayor Mantello Announces Free Rentals and Skating for Veterans, Active Duty, Children, Seniors at Knickerbacker Ice Rink
Mayor Carmella R. Mantello announced today that there will be free ice skate rentals and skate time for City of Troy and Rensselaer County residents who are veterans, active duty, seniors, and children below the age of 6. This proposal is part of Mayor Mantello’s initiative to expand recreational opportunities and access to quality facilities to improve the Quality of Life for residents of the City of Troy.
“We want to make sure that every resident-especially our veterans, active military, seniors and young children – can enjoy the Knick without barriers,” said Mayor Mantello. “This is a small way to show our appreciation for those who have served and to encourage families and seniors to take advantage of our city’s recreational spaces. When we partnered with County Executive McLaughlin and Rensselaer County to bring back the Knick, our promise was to ensure that our residents can use the ice rink without having to jump through hoops. I am proud to say we are following through on that promise.”
"Rensselaer County entered into a partnership with the City of Troy to renovate and bring back the Knickerbacker Ice Arena to give our residents another opportunity for fun, recreation and exercise. Since the reopening of the Knick on January 10, we have seen a great response from the public. This free skate offer for veterans, active-duty military, kids, and seniors will continue that effort to bring back the Knick and have even more take to the ice in the coming weeks and months," said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
City Council Majority Leader Tom Casey said, “When I was a teenager, I frequented open skate at the Knick. It provided a safe, drug free, and positive environment. We are always looking for positive outlets for the youth of Troy. Skating is not just fun but also promotes physical health, confidence, and community engagement. Offering free skating and skate rentals to our youth as well as our veterans, active-duty, and seniors is a tremendous benefit for the people of Troy.”
The free rentals and skate times will be available during all public skating times. Proof of residency, age, or military status may be required. For more information on public skate times and services at the Knickerbacker Ice Rink, residents can visit the city’s website Knick Skate Schedule | Troy, NY (troyny.gov) to view the full monthly schedule.
The proposed fee changes will be acted upon at the City Council Finance meeting on February 20th.
###
Press Contact:
Alex Horton
Communications Director; City of Troy
845-750-4092
Sign up to receive email updates and announcements from City Hall at www.troyny.gov/connect
For up-to-date announcements from City Hall, please visit www.troyny.gov/news
Follow Troy City Hall on Twitter: @TroyCityHall
Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/troyny
Connect on Instagram at instagram.com/troycityhall
Connect on Facebook at facebook.com/Troy518