MANHATTAN — Skating is back at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in West Harlem and CSEA members are just as happy to spread some joy during the winter.
Joshua Tejera, a skate guard, wearing all black, drops the puck for some
hockey players at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park skating rink in
Manhattan
“I used to come here to skate in my early teens,” said Joshua Tejera, who has been working as a skate guard at the park for more than a year. “One day, I spoke to (CSEA activist) Ricky (Davis) about a job here, filled out the application and got the job.”
Already within one year, Tejera said he has learned to operate the Zamboni, improved his skating skills and met more people in his community.
“This is what this program is all about,” said Davis. “It gives kids from the community an opportunity to work for the state.”
“I like to help other people learn to skate and provide them with a safe and enjoyable time,” said Tejera.
Skating and taking part in the recreational opportunities afforded by this uptown oasis on the Hudson River have also kept him grounded and focused.
“He’s been coming here a long time,” said Davis. “He’s shown growth and we decided to hire him because he showed us that he was ready.”
Ricky Davis operates the Zamboni at the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park skating rink in Manhattan.
“I’ve been working state parks for 30 years and at the skating rink for 20 years,” said Davis. “Currently, I’m the supervisor of the skating complex and a trainer who teachers staff to drive the Zamboni.”
For Davis, a longtime grievance representative and delegate for his local, the skating community has become increasingly diverse over the years.
“Skating is an activity that has become more popular in communities of color,” said Davis. “I’m grateful that I’m a part of a process that invites the community to take part in these kinds of recreational activities.”
As president of the Hockey Association of the Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, Davis gets an extra kick out of replacing the ice.
“One of the satisfactions that I get from driving the Zamboni is seeing the faces of the kids and patrons when they get on the smooth ice,” said Davis.
— David Galarza
