PHOTO: CITY OF PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh-area ice skaters have one less option this winter.

The city of Pittsburgh announced Monday that it will be unable to open the Schenley Park Skating Rink for the 2023-2024 season.

Last spring, the Department of Public Works began installing a new chiller system at the rink. Workers then discovered a broken pipe that required a sump pump to be replaced. The broken pipe and original sump pump backed water into the trench where the original condenser piping existed, slowing demolition. That issue and problems with an exhaust fan and installation of the ammonia system further delayed the project to the point that it won’t be completed until April.

“While we know this is disappointing, we want to let Pittsburgh know that the high quality of work being done and the steps being taken to ensure this project is done in the safest manner so we can continue to provide skating for years to come,” said CitiParks Director Kathryn Vargas.

Citiparks will still host two of its annual skating traditions.

Mascot Skate will become Mascot Madness from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 10. The annual event at the Schenley Rink facility will be a meet and greet and will include mascots to take pictures with, games & prizes, face painting, balloon artists, caricatures, ice sculpture, and more.

Valentines on Ice will be held from 8-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the Hunt Armory in Shadyside. The evening will include chocolates, raffles, roses and more.