City Park’s Winter Wonderland: Ice Skating Memories

For decades, City Park in Reading, Pennsylvania, was a cherished gathering place for roller and ice skaters of all ages, combining innovation, community spirit, and seasonal tradition. From its transformation in 1909 to its role as a recreational hub, the history of ice skating in City Park offers a nostalgic glimpse into the lives and leisure of Reading’s residents.

The Birth of the Rinks

The story begins in 1909, when the open-air reservoirs at Eleventh and Penn Streets—originally constructed for the city’s water supply—were covered to safeguard drinking water and repurposed for public use. Designed by Emil L. Nuebling, Superintendent and Engineer of the Water Bureau, the reservoirs were transformed into dual-purpose roller and ice skating rinks. By August 1910, the north basin was ready for roller skating, and with the arrival of winter, ice skating became a beloved activity.

Below: Construction of the covered water reservoirs.

Each rink featured a concrete base bordered by a curb to contain water for freezing. Central pavilions offered benches for skaters to rest, and electric lights allowed evening skating. Drinking fountains provided ice-cooled water during the summer months, and playground equipment brought life to the surrounding area. The reservoirs remained functional beneath the rinks, an engineering marvel of the time.

A Popular Winter Pastime

In the early decades, City Park’s skating rinks were the heart of winter activity. Families, schoolchildren, and even seasoned adults flocked to the ice, guided by signals from the iconic Pagoda atop Mount Penn. During the day, two blackboards bearing large white Xs showed when the ice was ready. At night, a red light for each rink was turned on at the Pagoda, to lure skaters to the rinks. Skaters of all abilities, from beginners to experts performing figure eights, found joy in the smooth ice surface, meticulously maintained with a horse-drawn ice planer.

The rinks’ popularity extended beyond the park. Skating created a boom in roller skate sales and inspired a communal sense of healthful recreation. The activity’s allure transcended generations, with parents reminiscing about their own childhood experiences as they watched their children take to the ice.

Challenges and the Decline of Skating

Over the years, the rinks faced challenges. The south rink was closed in 1947 due to structural concerns, and the north rink temporarily ceased operations in 1960 because of water seepage into the reservoirs. Community efforts revived the north rink in the mid-1960s, reigniting interest in ice skating at City Park. A $2,500 sealing project, partly funded by the Reading Junior Chamber of Commerce, ensured the rink’s continued use. However, by the 1970s, ice skating in City Park began to wane.

The combination of maintenance difficulties, structural issues, and changing recreational habits eventually led to the permanent discontinuation of the ice skating at the rinks. The rise of modern entertainment, along with the development of alternative skating sites, drew interest away from the park. Today, the locations of the former north and south skating rinks are home to basketball and tennis courts, ensuring the space continues to serve as a hub for public recreation.

A Tradition Preserved

Although City Park’s rinks no longer host ice skaters, their legacy endures in the memories of those who once glided across their surfaces. The reservoirs, originally vital to the city’s water infrastructure, became a hub for joyous winter gatherings. The laughter of children, the glow of the Pagoda’s signals, and the crisp winter evenings remain etched in the collective memory of Reading’s residents.

The story of City Park’s rinks serves as a reminder of how shared spaces can foster community and create lasting traditions. While the ice may be gone, the spirit of camaraderie and joy that defined those skating days lives on, with basketball and tennis courts now providing new opportunities for recreation and connection in this historic urban park.

Below: Present Day Covered Reservoirs.

Below: Youngsters scratching the surface of City Park’s ice skating season on Dec. 8, 1958. Trying out their skates were, from left to right: Edward C. Davidson, 10, 126 W Under St.; Michael W. Kearney, 12, 814 Franklin St., Wyomissing; Andrew J. Carey, 12, 923 Penn Ave., Wyomissing; Margaret M. Johnson, 12, 2224 Perkiomen Ave., Mount Penn; Dawn M. Pienta, 12, 515 S. 17th St.; and Mary L. Johnson, 8, 2224 Perkiomen Ave.