A Jersey City youth hockey president is leading the charge to push for a plan to reopen the Pershing Field Ice Rink, which has been closed since January 2023.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Pershing Ice Rink has been home to the Jersey City Capitals for over 30 years. Throughout that time the program has taught thousands of children in Jersey City and throughout Hudson County the fundamentals of hockey, introducing them to a sport that for many is a lifetime passion,” Jersey City Capitals President Mike Mariniello said in a statement.
“Throughout our years of existence, the Capitals have always had a great working relationship with the city. So much so that in October 2013 Jersey City recognized our commitment to the game of hockey and the city by naming the rink after the founder and executive director, Charlie Heger. I’m committed to working with Jersey City officials to reopen the Charlie Heger Ice Rink at Pershing Field so we can get our players back on the ice. I welcome the city to meet me in that commitment.”
He continued that their goal is to see the hockey rink reopen by the fall 2024 season, with a public commitment from the mayor, city council, and recreation department, as well to public post “a concrete action plan” that is updated monthly.
Mariniello also indicated that he’d like to see an oversight committee that would include both community members and city officials.
He also pointed out that the city has received a $1 million grant from the state, though city officials have said since last year that the repairs, which include plumbing and electrical work, could cost up to $5 million.
City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said that reopening for the 2024 season is unlikely to happen due to the size and scope of the repairs.
“The city is looking into quotes for fixing the facility properly, and that includes a more comprehensive process on imagining what additional services are possibilities and how to better utilize the ice rink. The current ice skating rink is in need of major repairs and more than $5 million in work,” she said in an email.
“So, we want it to be done properly instead of the decades of short term fixes which ended up being more costly in the long run. We would anticipate that it will be 2025/2026 season at the earliest until work is completed, and in the interim, the city has arranged for discounted recreational skating opportunities at Newport Skate, including passes for admission and skate rental. We will work with the councilman in the interim.”
Noting that several other local hockey teams from Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken used to use the rink for practice and games, Mariniello said that some residents plan to address the situation during the city council’s public portion on Wednesday, despite the fact that they do not have any pending agenda items related to the rink.
The Jersey City Council convenes on Wednesday at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 280 Grove St., and will also stream live on Microsoft Teams.
