Though he did not break out pirouette triple-axles, perform Salchows through the air or even slice the season’s first treads into the glistening ice surface, Mayor Thomas Menino granted the winter season’s inaugural skaters of Boston a special opportunity when he officially opened the Frog Pond on Saturday at the Boston Common — a shot at naming the new amphibian mascot.
“[Ice skating] is a wonderful outdoor activity during the winter that really livens the Common,” Menino said. “It’s a Rockwellian setting at times. Enjoy the winter wonderland we have.”
As “Who Let the Frogs Out” blared over the rink’s sound system, Boston Parks Department officials unleashed the pond’s nameless mascot to the cheers of the jovial crowd.
The frog’s name will be revealed at the park’s tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 29, said Parks Department assistant commissioner Bernie Lynch.
“It’s always nice to have a mascot to meet and greet people and say ‘hello’ to kids,” said Boston Parks and Recreation programming director Dianne Karrissey. “It’s another activity that lots of people will enjoy.”
As a Zamboni circled the ice, children flocked to the frog for photographs and hugs before it retreated to the locker room.
The opening was originally scheduled for Thursday night, when the Colonial Figure Skating Club was tapped to perform, but rain postponed the event. The club competed over the weekend and was unable to attend the rescheduled opening.