The Trump Organization, led by President-elect Donald Trump, has announced a bid to return as the operator of Central Park's iconic Wollman Rink.
The company prescribes to renew its operational role for the forthcoming two decades, the New York post reported.
Previously, Donald Trump's real estate enterprise managed the rink for many years until the political fallout concerning the January 6 Capitol riot influenced then-Mayor Bill de Blasio to terminate their contract in 2021.
The Parks Department gave the management of the rink to Wollman Park Partners, a collaborative including Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Related Companies, and Equinox.
Ron Lieberman, the executive vice president of the Trump Organization, declared their intent to undertake the management once more, asserting the past successes of managing the rink. "We ran it beautifully for decades, and we plan on doing so again," he remarked, signaling a strong push for the organization in response to the recent request for proposals (RFP) issued by the City Department of Parks and Recreation.
Furthermore, the Trump Organization enthusiastically announced that they are preparing to submit their proposal, confident in their familiarity with and legacy connected to the skating rink.
Meanwhile, Wollman Rink, cherished among New Yorkers and tourists alike, reopened for a new season, stirring memories of past management under Trump’s guidance. Notably, the rink was reconstructed in the 1980s when Donald Trump took charge of the renovations himself, after the city's attempts led to extreme delays and budget overruns. Trump turned the situation around successfully by completing the project under budget and ahead of schedule.
Lieberman's enthusiastic statements about the company's potential re-engagement with Wollman Rink underscore their bid. "We are going to respond to the RFP. I am submitting a proposal. We ran Wollman rink flawlessly for decades," he said.
Moreover, the Parks Department stated that the RFP is open to all entities, ensuring a fair process devoid of past political entanglements that led to the Trump Organization’s removal.
Ed Cox, the state Republican Party chairman, criticized this previous decision to displace Trump’s firm as politically motivated retaliation. He described the move as unprompted by performance concerns.
The Trump Organization, on its website, still features the Wollman Rink prominently, marking it as an integral part of its operational history and business legacy. Following the management shift, controversies over pricing plagued Wollman Park Partners, which argued the need for a higher pricing structure to enhance the facility further. This shift proved contentious among users who appreciated the previous management's approach.
The Trump Organization included a detailed statement praising their historical management which highlights the depth of their involvement:
We are incredibly proud to have saved these beloved icons and have been the proud caretaker for many decades. Our team ran a flawless operation that provided a memorable, safe, and enjoyable experience every single day for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world. We are tremendously proud of the programs we have built and the legacy we leave behind. We hope that these properties will continue to thrive and be cherished.
In conclusion, the Trump Organization's bid to manage Wollman Rink again speaks to their broader intent to regain a foothold in New York City's public commercial enterprises. The organization highlights its long-standing historical success in managing the ice rink and remains hopeful that the city's current call for proposals will reinforce this legacy. The Parks Department’s decision on who will ultimately manage the rink is highly anticipated, given the backdrop of political drama and successful historical management narratives tied to this bid.
