I didn’t know about the new Aviator Sports and Recreation Center at Floyd Bennett Field. Now I do thanks to the Daily News.

As winter approaches, so do sports involving plenty of ice.

And devotees can find it at Floyd Bennett Field, of all places.

At the brand new Aviator Sports and Recreation Center there – which
will eventually be open nearly ’round the clock – visitors can skate on
one of two NHL regulation-sized rinks, rock climb on a 35-foot wall,
work out in a gymnastics and dance training center, make purchases at a
pro shop and enjoy food court snacks.

Even Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn) took a spin on the ice,
surrounded by "future [hockey] stars" to celebrate the opening of the
facility last week.

The new rink scored a perfect 10 with just about everybody braving the ice the other day.

Elena Pipko of Manhattan said she liked the rink so much, she plans
regular commutes. Her daughter Elizabeth, 11, is a competitive figure
skater. "It’s a long drive," Pipko said, "but worth it. They offer ice
skating and training, and we’re going to come here every week."

Hunter Marciano, an 11-year-old hockey player from Sheepshead Bay, said he wants to come to the rink all the time.

His mother, Karen Marciano, added, "I’ve been waiting 25 years for
something like this. It’s great. I’m taking skating lessons with my
kids."

Annmarie Cariello of Bergen Beach said she used to take her two daughters to Prospect Park for lessons.

"It’s about time there was something on this end of Brooklyn," Cariello said.

After watching his 3-year-old daughter Hagan try the ice, John Carlin,
40, of Rockaway Beach, Queens, said, "The staff is more than
hospitable. They calmed my daughter, who was a nervous wreck on the
ice."

The rink charges adults $8 to skate for 2-1/2 hours. Kids 12 and under
pay $6. Skate rentals are $4 and family plans are available.

When the facility is totally completed in mid-November, hours will be 5
a.m. to 1 a.m. Presently, hours are 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Call (718)
758-9800 for more information.

Here are some other places in Brooklyn where you can ice skate:

 

Abe Stark Skating Rink, W. 19th St. between Surf Ave. and the Boardwalk, Coney Island:

Includes group instruction for ice hockey or figure skating. Now open
on Saturday and Sunday from 1:30-4 p.m. and during the week on school
holidays. Admission is $8 for everyone and skate rentals are $4. For
more information, call (718) 946-6536.

 

Prospect Park’s Kate Wollman Rink, Parkside Ave. and Ocean Ave. entrance:

Opening in late November, this rink has a snack bar, a skate shop and
free lockers. Lessons and classes are available. Admission is $5 for
adults, $3 for seniors and children under the age of 14. For hours,
call (718) 282-1226 or visit www.prospectpark.org for more information.