To help with the project, the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy looked to Bryant Park as a model. Every winter, Bryant Park is home to CitiPond, one of the most popular public ice skating rinks in the City. Dan Biederman, the founder of the Bryant Park Corporation, joined the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy two years ago after City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe saw him at a cross country race in Vannie and thought he might be able to bring some of his expertise to the Bronx.

After overcoming some of the obstacles of a seasonal ice-skating rink in Bryant Park, Mr. Biederman thinks he can help make the new rink successful. He said he’s learned a lot in the last five years about everything from getting enough power to the site to how to deal with safety issues like “fancy dance” skaters who might injure themselves.

Mr. Cassino called it a “unique partnership” and said the relationship with Bryant Park was critical to getting this project off the ground.

It is unclear how much the rink will cost, according to Jesslyn Moser of the Parks Department. The conservancy will soon look into design proposals before the Parks Department starts the bidding process for a contractor.

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