The skating pond at Union Terrace was a rite of growing up in Allentown. Putting aside climate change, the pond was frozen every winter. Maybe the park department intentionally slowed, or even shut off the flow of water. A fire was kept burning in a metal barrel by the southwest corner of the ice rink. Benches lined the south side where a kid could put his skates on.
While Albeth Ice Ring on the east side was a skating option for the serious skaters, Union Terrace was the choice for us less graceful, but more interested in socializing. There were no iphones or youtubes, just kids interacting with other kids.
The center city and west end kids walked home from the pond. There were no cell phones to call for a ride, and nobody would want to be seen getting into their parent's car.
At that time the park department was a significant part of growing up in Allentown. Come summer each part of the city had its own pool. For some things, like Allentown and its park system, going backwards wouldn't be a bad thing.
molovinsky on allentown is published early morning every weekday.
reprinted from January of 2019
While we remember the ice skating there, the younger generation mostly has no clue.
ReplyDeleteI was amused to learn that the metal sculptures/cutouts (located on the north and south sides of the pond) are believed by many to depict a “judo kick”. In fact, they are ice skaters.
I’ll chalk that up to a combination of a poor knowledge of local history and the vagueness of modern art.
Emmaus has a community ice skating rink, with barrels and wood fires, that was flooded every winter by the fire co. It was only 8" inches deep, very safe. Lots of fun, lots of community and no cost. I guess the no cost was the deciding factor in ending it.
ReplyDeleteI also remember kids fishing contests at union terrace.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, Bamboo pole, bobber and a hook.
DeleteI used to skate at UT as a kid. Walk with my cousin and we would lace up our snakes on the benches. You always knew when it was cold when UT was frozen and skaters were on it. A family past time. Many traditions long lost in the last 40 yrs in Allentown. We are lucky to have the memories.
ReplyDeleteWhat an appealing setting for ice skating that was.
ReplyDelete