NYC PARKS SELECTS WOLLMAN PARK PARTNERS II LLC TO OPERATE CENTRAL PARK’S WOLLMAN RINK

The winning proposal will bring significant capital investments, robust programming, and community benefits for all New Yorkers, building on the success of recent years, at no cost to NYC's taxpayers

NYC Parks today announced it has selected Wollman Park Partners II LLC (WPP II), a partnership between Related Companies and CityPickle, for the operation and maintenance of Wollman Rink in Central Park.

In total, the value of this deal to the City will exceed $100 million, including a record cumulative minimum fee offer of $91 million alongside a minimum capital investment of $10.9 million.

WPP II is committing to upgrading the facility's aging infrastructure, offering affordable and accessible programming to the community, and continuing to form innovative partnerships with non-profits across the city.

NYC Parks selected the highest-rated proposal through its competitive RFP process. The concessionaire's 20-year contract will begin around May 1, 2027. A Franchise and Concession Review Committee (FCRC) public hearing will be held on October 16, 2025 at 22 Reade Street, Spector Hall at 2:30pm regarding the intent to award a concession agreement.

Highlights of Wollman Park Partners II, LLC's proposal include:

• Reinvesting in the community - To ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of this beloved facility, WPP ll is committed to invest an estimated $10.9 million in capital enhancements, in addition to annually maintaining a Capital Reserve Fund.

• Revitalizing with best-in-class sustainable practices - WPP ll will make a series of upgrades designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve the overall visitor experience. Planned improvements include the installation of a new, environmentally friendly ice-making system that meets EPA and DEC standards, a state-of-the-art ice mat system, energy-efficient equipment for ice maintenance, along with modernized mechanical infrastructure and stormwater management improvements.

• Creating a year-round community center - WPPII will continue its commitment to being a year-round destination for activities. During Spring, Summer and early Fall, the ice rink is transformed into 14 state-of-the-art pickleball courts open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pickleball is accessible to people of all ages and athletic abilities.

• Improving the visitor experience - Visitors will enjoy refreshed public areas including the patio and upgraded skate rental inventory.
  

• Creating a family-friendly space - Continuing in their commitment to affordability, WPP II will offer the Wollman Rink Access Program, a $16 rate for New York City residents, which includes skate rentals, skating admission, and a hot chocolate. In addition, through the Culture Pass Program, a New York City family of four can skate for free once during each skating season. During pickleball season, daily $5 Community Play will be available. These opportunities reflect the partnership's commitment to making Wollman Rink a welcoming and accessible public space for all New Yorkers. In collaboration with long-standing community partners, they will continue to provide opportunities for all children, families, and individuals to enjoy the rink.
  

• A place that is accessible and welcoming for all New Yorkers - To further increase accessibility, ADA-compliant upgrades will be added, including an elevator to the Overlook. These efforts reflect WPP II's broader vision to deliver a best-in-class recreational experience rooted in community benefit. Additionally, the agreement has no cost to New York City taxpayers.

"Wollman Rink is a cherished space in the heart of Central Park, and this next chapter ensures it remains a place where all New Yorkers - from every borough and every background - feel welcome," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "With Wollman Park Partners II, we're delivering major capital improvements, expanding inclusive programming, and strengthening community partnerships. From ADA-accessible upgrades to $5 Community Play and free skating for families, this partnership reflects our deep commitment to equity, access, and excellence in public recreation - all at no cost to taxpayers. We're proud to continue building a Wollman Rink that serves everyone."

"Skating at Wollman Rink is an iconic New York City experience that has endeared itself to residents, families and tourists for generations," said Jeff T. Blau and Bruce A. Beal, Jr., CEO and President of Related Companies. "But thanks to our partnership with CityPickle, it has become a year-round destination and vibrant place for people to come together to enjoy the Park. We are delighted to be able to continue as stewards of Wollman Rink and look forward to expanding access and the experiences available for generations to come."

"Pickleball has been a true sensation at Wollman Rink, drawing 180,000 players to Central Park over the past three years and turning the legendary rink into a year-round recreational destination," said Erica Desai, Co-Founder of CityPickle. "We are thrilled to partner with Related to deliver on an even greater vision for Wollman Rink and continue making the most iconic pickleball offering in the country to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities," added Mary Cannon, Co-Founder of CityPickle.

The original Wollman Park Partners, a partnership between HBSE, Related Companies and Equinox, was awarded the license to operate Wollman Rink in September 2021. WPP successfully completed major capital improvements, including a full renovation of the clubhouse and restoration of the ice making equipment, in six weeks to enable an opening of the ice rink in October 2021. The Rink has been open on time every skating season and now, thanks to an operating partnership created in early 2023 with CityPickle, Wollman Rink is a year-long community hub with high-impact programming such as $5 Community Play for New Yorkers. While Equinox and HBSE will remain engaged partners through the expiration of the current license term, Wollman Park Partners will be reconstituted as WPP II with principals of Related and CityPickle as primary partners.

About Related Companies Related Companies is a global real estate and lifestyle company defined by innovation and the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States. Formed 50 years ago, Related is one of the largest private owners and preservationists of affordable housing in the U.S. and a fully integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisition, management, finance, marketing, and sales. Headquartered in New York City, Related has offices and major developments in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi and London, and boasts a team of approximately 4,000 professionals. With over $70 billion in assets owned or under development including the 28-acre Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan's West Side, Deutsche Bank Center at Columbus Circle, The Grand LA and The 78 in Chicago. Related was named to Fast Company Magazine's list of the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World. For more information about Related, please visit https://www.related.com/.

About CityPickle

CityPickle is New York City's home for pickleball. The lifestyle brand opened NYC's first indoor pickleball club. The club features climate-controlled courts and a full bar and restaurant, making it the ideal destination to connect in person, spend quality time, and host events. Since 2023, CityPickle has operated 14 courts in Central Park's iconic Wollman Rink during the spring, summer, and early fall. The brand brings the joy and community of pickleball to thousands through its seasonal activations; locations include Hudson Yards, Union Square, Atlantic Terminal, and Philadelphia's Dilworth Park at City Hall. CityPickle is expanding with a new flagship location in the heart of Times Square, debuting winter 2026 and will be opening an 11 court facility in Dumbo at Brooklyn Bridge in spring 2026. The brand is also partnering with industry leaders to open Boca Paddle by CityPickle, a 25 court pickleball and padel facility in Boca Raton, Florida in summer 2026. 

Wollman Rink first opened on December 21,1950, thanks to a gift from philanthropist Kate Wollman. Its creation continued the tradition of ice skating in Central Park, which dates back to the 1850s. Visiting Wollman Rink has since become a beloved winter activity for New Yorkers and tourists alike.