Schenley Park Ice Skating Rink — Attraction in Pittsburgh

Looks like you need to get a "yellow tag" in order to be eligible to join the queue that starts at least half an hour before each session (that's the way to control capacity due to the covid restriction). And the staff there have no idea how far exactly in advance will they hand out those yellow tags. Have seen so many people failed to get in even after multiple trips: (1) you will only be told it has reached the maximum capacity if you ask no further questions, (2) even if you are able to join the queue and thought you will get in, then at register you will be told you actually need to get a yellow tag in order to join the queue (the yellow tags have already been distributed a while ago ahead of the queue).

To save everyone more trips before enjoying the skating, the staff there at the register definitely need to be better trained to RESPECT eveyrone's time, instead of sitting back in the window doing NOTHING and taking advantage of this covid situation (less work, but more time to chit chat back in the window). There is no way to directly call their office to find out more information either. At least they should inform everyone of their mysterious procedue for admission and ticket purchase.

I would recommend to check the time for each session, arrive there early, e.g. 45 minutes before, AND KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THOSE SITTING AT THE REGISTER (do not let them out of your sight) to make sure you will get your yellow tag and whatever tricks they played to secure your position. PS: feel so shameful for them knowing many others waited there for the whole time but still missed multiple sessions with the only explanation "it reaches the maximum capacity". It is understandoble for the maximum capacity policy to care for other's safety, but that means more respect, more responsiblity, and more cares, but not more time to chit chat, more time to enjoying seeing people failed to get in after...

EDIT (January 2021): according to the website, the rink may be operated by Citiparks again so my qualms below may be obsolete as I have not visited recently.

I learned to skate here in my childhood, and have come here dozens of times per year over the past decade. Schenley ice rink has a special place in my heart where I've come to escape many an evening on "home ice". I also learned to play hockey here in EnP ("Ed and Phil's") adult classes.

Sadly, things seem to be a bit of a mess since Pgh dept of public works took over operations this year. They've stopped resurfacing the ice mid-session, which they had done previously for as long as I can remember. This leaves skaters going the same direction around the rink for the entire session, a particular pain point for me and some other regulars I know.

This place also used to be extremely popular for winter hockey, but changes in rink pricing and policies have left ice-seekers looking elsewhere. Also no hockey classes this year.

Please get it together, Pittsburgh. I want my beloved rink back...

The quality of the ice was questionable at best. During the skate session, a large area was coned off as it was degrading to a point where it was becoming a hazard.

This reality is hard to square with the Parks Department boasting how they have new chillers - seems like a waste potentially,

Cellular reception is and has always been poor. Hopefully you do not need to be reached or reach out to anyone while here.

The staff is courteous enough in person, but are argumentative and inflexible over the phone. I would advise against using their rooms, unless you can justify their large room, at a cost of nearly $600.

The ticketing experience is poor, and staff deflect, that it is a vendor service. Not like Parks or City administrators could work to improve the experience? Wild expectation.

It's nice that it is there, and it is very picturesque. It could be much better. If you are able, I would recommend a county skating rink over this, for all...