It was common sense and “management.” But the incident also demonstrated Trump’s mastery and command of public relations and how to attract massive amounts of free press. It wasn’t rocket science according to Trump. Instead of failing, Trump finished the job in just four months at a final cost 25% below the budget. The city politicos could only hope that when Donald failed it would divert attention from their own incompetence. A very public Trump-Koch feud ensued Donald ultimately prevailed taking on the responsibility to finish the rink in less than six months for no more than $3 million. Koch tried mightily and quite sneakily tried to reject Trump’s offer. Trump would step in and take over the construction and operation of the project for no profit and have it up and running in time for the holiday season. In late May of 1986, the 39-year-old Trump made an offer to Mayor Ed Koch. The Wollman Rink fiasco amplified the public perception of the general incompetence of government and their inability to complete even the simplest projects.Įnter the Donald. After six years and having flushed $13 million down the drain, the city announced they would have to start all over again and it would another two years to complete. Having fallen into utter disrepair during the New York City fiscal crisis, unable to make ice, the city’s Parks Department embarked on a total refurbishment of the facility in 1980, estimating it would take two years to complete. The bright red Trump logo still adorns the Wollman Skating Rink website. Wollman Skating Rink today is one of the most iconic amenities for New Yorkers and tourists located in Central Park just a stone’s throw north of the Plaza Hotel (which was once owned by Donald Trump).
The Wollman Rink incident underrscores the fascinating impact that Donald Trump is making on the political landscape and the American psyche irrespective of the outcome of the presidential campaign.
Just check the Wollman Skating Rink website. There it is! The famous, or, according to some, infamous TRUMP red logo. Now, 30 years later, Wollman Rink is a winner and the Trump name is still associated with it. I'll make it a winner.'' Shortly after Trump decided to slap his name on Wollman Rink, if you read the fine print. So far the Wollman Rink has been one of the great losers. On Donald Trump said in an interview with the Times, "I don't want my name attached to losers. Pretty much the true story of the Wollman Skating Rink fiasco. When asked by the press why the people had been unable to fix the rink themselves the knight said 'they’re very nice people and I like them very much but they're all idiots!' And everyone lived happily ever after.” One day a white knight wearing a bright red tie showed up and said: ' Let there be ice!’ Four months later there was ice. Years went by and millions of dollars were spent and still no ice. No one could figure out how to fix the skating rink. “Once upon a time there was an ice skating rink in Central Park that could no longer make ice. Here’s one that helps us process the phenomenon known as Trump for President: We best understand the world through compelling narratives. Here's a portion of a wonderful article published over by our friends at Forbes: