About three dozen people gathered at City Park Tuesday evening to hear plans for Reading’s new public ice-skating rink and to share their opinions on the project. The meeting, hosted by Mayor Eddie Morán and city officials, featured presentations from project leaders and elected representatives, followed by an extended public comment period where neighborhood residents voiced both support and concerns.
Mayor Morán said the seasonal rink would be built on a newly constructed multipurpose pad inside City Park. The city plans to rent a turnkey ice-skating package for seven weeks each winter, including skate rentals, staffing, and maintenance. After the season ends, the pad would remain available for farmers markets, performances, and other community events.
“This is about more than just an ice rink,” Morán said. “It’s about believing in what’s possible for a public space. Every investment we make brings new life, new energy, and new reasons for us to come together as a community.”
City officials said the project is estimated at $600,000, (originally budgeted for $800,000) including electrical work, concrete installation, and rink rental costs of roughly $198,000 per season. Officials emphasized the money comes from state and federal sources earmarked for capital projects, not from the city’s general operating funds.
Several elected officials voiced their support for the rink. City Council President Donna Reed pointed to the park’s history, noting that generations of residents once skated on the frozen city reservoir. Councilman Jamie Baez, who represents the district where City Park is located, called himself “150% in support,” describing the rink as an opportunity for affordable recreation, economic activity, and community pride.
State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz said she was encouraged by efforts to create more spaces for youth. “When I ask young people what they like about Reading, many tell me there’s nothing to do here. Projects like this could help change that,” she said.
Community partners also backed the plan. Rick Perez, CEO of the Olivet Boys & Girls Club, said it would give city youth “one more opportunity to be exposed to something new.” JD Turner of the Reading Skate Park Association added that, while public skepticism is natural, “once projects are built and used, they often become some of the city’s most popular spaces.”
While some applauded the idea, many residents living near City Park expressed strong concerns about the rink’s location.
Speakers repeatedly cited parking shortages, noise, and trash problems already affecting the neighborhood. One resident said, “I’m talking about sitting in my living room and watching someone take a permit parking space I pay for. Then they throw a soiled diaper in my yard. We don’t want more of that.”
Others questioned the cost of renting the rink and argued that money could be better spent fixing existing facilities, such as the City Park band shell or basketball courts.
Some residents also opposed placing a large concrete pad in a heavily shaded section of the park. “These trees are over 150 years old. Families sit here in the summer because of the shade. Cutting them down for an ice rink would be unacceptable,” one longtime neighbor said.
Several community members suggested alternative sites, including Penn Street downtown, where parking garages and businesses could benefit from increased foot traffic.
Finance Director Jamar Kelly closed the meeting by addressing some of the concerns raised. He noted that City Park bathrooms are functional, portable restrooms would be added during events, and the band shell is currently under renovation. He also said the city remains committed to planting new trees and preserving canopy cover.
Mayor Morán promised community input would continue to shape the project’s direction. “Your voice matters,” he told the crowd. “We are committed to doing this the right way — and most importantly, to do it with you.”
No final vote was taken at Tuesday’s meeting, and city officials said they will review public feedback before moving forward.
