Computer programmer Ira Gershenhorn has been a dedicated volunteer at the rings since 2004 and has been actively ring swinging since March, 2006. Ira has maintained ongoing communication with the Santa Monica ringers, implemented many of their activities, and acts as an ambassador by welcoming them at the rings when they visit.

Whenever you see the colorful scarves flying from the rings support poles -- most summer weekend afternoons and evenings -- you know that Ira is there, a recognizable presence who often can be seen practicing his unicycling skills. He brings stereo, hula hoops, juggling equipment, slacklines, and chalk for everyone to use and enjoy.

Ira generously donates his time to hosting children's birthday parties, where he teaches ring swinging techniques. He donates the proceeds to the New York City public schools. Ira's daughter, Marisa, is also a rings enthusiast.

Thanks to David Scott (12/13/60-7/30/10), many children and adults have become expert ring swingers by listening to his instructions and emulating his effortless swinging style. David was usually at Hudson Beach from Friday through Sunday and summer weekdays when there wasn’t a job assignment from the temporary agency he worked for. You’d see him at the junior rings, listening to music through his earbuds, tossing rings and giving instructions to one youngster after another.

If you ask any of the children how they learned to swing, chances are they will tell you that David taught them. David said “I feel really good when the kids come up to me and ask me to help them. Kids keep you young and alive.”

To honor David's memory, a bronze plaque has been imbedded in the bottom step facing the rings.

Becky Hahn has been coming to the Riverside Park traveling rings regularly since Summer, 2008. Although she swings sometimes, she spends most of her time at the rings working on tricks on her slackline, practicing acroyoga and hanging out with other circus types. She’s happy to help kids and adults learn how to walk the slackline.

Becky works as a research assistant and trains on static trapeze when not at the Riverside Park rings.

Andy Eisner is a relative newcomer to the rings. He is just a beginner at “ring swinging” but finds the rings to be a perfect place to practice acroyoga, diabolo and juggling and is grateful to all the ring regulars and passers-by who contribute to making the rings such a pleasant community. Andy especially enjoys introducing people to acroyoga and is willing to “fly” anybody who is interested. (The basics are really quite easy!) Andy also teaches beginning and intermediate diabolo and juggling skills.

When he is not playing in the park, Andy is a lawyer.

Frederick Johnson is a retired social worker who worked mostly in community centers with low-income, minority youth. He has extensive background in recreational acrobatics. Fred advises on rings-related activities and teaches children and adults juggling and stilt walking.

To contact any of the rings volunteers email info@swingaring.com.