By Julie Shapiro
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
FINANCIAL DISTRICT — A skating rink smaller than many New York City apartments is opening this Saturday in the Financial District.
The tiny, 12-foot-by-40-foot rink is perched on the W New York Downtown’s fifth-floor terrace, overlooking the World Trade Center construction.
Dubbed "Skating in the Sky," the rink fits just 15 people at a time and will be open to the public and hotel guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
The rink won’t quite fill the hole left by the popular 17,000-square-foot Battery Park City ice rink, which is not returning this season. But it will give downtown residents a place to turn double-axles without leaving their neighborhood.
The W also hopes to entice skaters with warm and cold cocktails served at an outdoor bar, like the Hot Toddy with Jim Bean Rye, Sailor Jerry spiced rum, nutmeg-infused vanilla sugar and fresh lime juice.
The only ice, though, will be in the drinks: The rectangular rink is not made of frozen water, but rather an eco-friendly synthetic material, covered in a "non-toxic glide enhancer liquid" that minimizes friction.
The manufacturer, BH Skating Parks International, compares the experience to skating on a frozen lake, rather than a slick refrigerated rink.
The W New York Downtown rink will be open seven days a week from 2 to 10 p.m., from this Saturday through Feb. 15, at Washington and Albany streets. Skate rental is $12 and includes hand warmers; those who bring skates can enter for free.
