Newsgroups: rec.sport.skating.roller,rec.sport.skating.inline Subject: Roller Skating Rinks Northeastern Region List FAQ Summary: Roller Rinks in Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont References: Sender: Followup-To: poster Reply-To: grr@tharsis.com Distribution: Organization: George's Pet Unix System Keywords: skating,roller,in-line,FAQ Expires: Tue 31, 1995 23:59:59 GMT Archive-Name: roller-skating/rinks-northeastern Posting-Frequency: monthly Last-Modified: Sun Dec 3 14:03:23 EST 2000 *** Copyright 1994-2000 by George Robbins - see detailed note at end *** This is the Northeastern Region section of the Roller Skating Rink list. Connecticut - Maine - Massachusetts- New Hampshire - New York Rhode Island - Vermont For information about the organization of the individual entries, sources of the material, or how to submit an entry for your rink, please see the overview posting, which posted at the same time as these sections. This document is posted periodically to the rec.sport.skating.roller usenet newsgroup, and can also be accessed via the world wide web (www) using the following URL: http://www.netaxs.com/people/grr/Roller Please e-mail any comments, corrections or additions to: grr@tharsis.com Especially looking for: PLEASE remember that schedules and other details are subject to change. The intent of the list is to help you find interesting rinks. It's up to you to call the rink and make sure there's a time and type of session that is compatible with your plans and interests. ======================================================================== Index ==== Northeastern Region Connecticut Southwestern - (203) Danbury, CT Sportland America (aka Fun Station, Fun Zones...) - 203-778-4386/730-0730 Monroe, CT Skatetyme Roller Rink (aka Skate Time...) - 203-268-4041 Old Greenwich, CT Eastern Greenwich Civic Center (Riverside Center?) - 203-637-4583 Wallingford, CT RollerHaven II - 203-265-2286 Wheel World (aka Entertainment Plus) - 203-284-5822 Waterbury, CT Roller Magic Roller Rink (was High Rollers, 5-D's) - 203-596-9019 Roller Magic Roller Rink (was Waterbury Skating Center) - 203-574-2118 West Torrington, CT Riverside Roller Park - (planned) Northern and Eastern - (860) East Hartford, CT On-Dek Sports - 860-289-4550 (hockey) Groton, CT Galaxy Skating Rink (was Groton Skate Center...) - 860-446-2609 Middleton, CT Holiday Skating Rink - 860-346-0777 Plainfield, CT Skate Inn - 860-564-2623 Plainville, CT Plainville Indoor Sports Arena - 860-793-9999 (hockey) Stratford, CT Long Beach Skateland - 860-378-9033 Vernon, CT Ron-A-Roll Skate Center - 860-872-8400 West Suffield, CT Babbs Roller Skating Rink - (closed) Windsor, CT Kidsport Family Fun & Fitness - 860-249-3606 Maine All Areas - (207) Auburn, ME Rollodrome - 207-777-3940 Augusta, ME Happy Wheels Skating Center - 207-623-4973 Bangor, ME Great Skates Entertainment - 207-945-0202 Skate Scene - 207-947-1559 Caribou, ME Melody Roller Rink - 207-493-3259 Houlton, ME Rollerama Of Houlton - 207-532-9897 Livermore Falls, ME Livermore Falls Skating Center - 207-897-4006 Mexico, ME Mexico Recreation Department - 207-364-4912 (seasonal) Milo, ME Skateway Roller Rink - 207-943-2617 Norridgewock, ME Family Fun Center Roller Skating - 207-634-4485 Oxford/Norway, ME Motion 26 - 207-539-4670 Portland, ME Happy Wheels Skating Center - 207-797-8207 Rockland, ME Rockland Skate Center - 207-594-1023 Sanford, ME The Family Skate Center - 207-324-3241 Scarborough/Portland, ME Happy Wheels Skating Center - 207-883-3713 Smithfield, ME Sunset Camps - 207-362-2611 Topsham, ME Rollerworld - 207-725-6077 Waterville, ME Happy Wheels Skate Ctr - 207-873-1805 Massachussets Boston and Surrounding Areas - (617) Dorchester/Boston, MA Chez-Vous Disco Rink (aka ...Roller Rink) - 617-825-6877 Norwood, MA Roll-Land - CLOSED Saugus, MA Roller World - 617-231-1111 Waltham, MA Wal-Lex Rollerway (aka ... Recreation Center) - 617-893-7070 Whitman, MA USA Skatetown (aka Skatetown USA) - 617-857-1286 Eastern outside of Boston Area - (508) Beverly/Salem, MA Roller Palace - 508-927-4242 Bradford/Haverhill, MA Skateland (was Bradford Family ...) - 508-372-3050(tape) Concord, MA Valley Sports - 508-369-8100 (seasonal) Fairhaven/New Bedford, MA Carousel Skating Center - 508-872-8400/800-870-4828 Hudson/Worcester, MA Roller Kingdom - 508-562-3440 Lancaster, MA Roll On America - 508-534-8303 Lawrence, MA Roll On America (aka 21st Century Skateland?) - 508-681-8690 Leominster, MA Roll On America - 508-537-4010 Milford, MA Skate Palace - 508-473-6611 Millbury, MA Wheels Roller Skating Center - 508-865-0001 New Bedford, MA Hot Wheels Recreation Center - 508-999-3350 North Oxford, MA Cheap Skate - (closed?) Orange, MA Orange Roller Skating - 508-544-7203(info)/544-8591 Orleans/Cape Code, MA Charles Moore Arena - 508-255-5902 (seasonal) Taunton, MA Highland Heights Roller Skating Rink - 508-824-9363 Silver City Skateland - 508-824-4866 Tyngsboro/Lowell, MA Roller Kingdom (aka Skate 3) - 508-649-3440(tape)/649-3439 Worcester, MA Skylite Roller Skating Center - 508-757-8640 Western and Central - (413) Agawam/Springfield, MA Rollaway Skate Center (aka The Rollaway) - 413-786-4875 Chicopee/Springfield, MA Skate Scene USA Roller Skating Center - 413-593-0433(tape)/593-0434 Hadley/Amherst, MA Interskate 91 North (and On Ramp Skate Shop) - 413-586-8344 Springfield, MA Rialto Roller Skating Rink - 413-732-0259 Wilbraham/Springfield, MA Interskate 91 South - 413-543-3991(info)/543-4664 Williamstown, MA Roller Magic - (closed) New Hampshire All Areas - (603) Alton Bay/Lake Winnipesaukee, NH Alton Bay Pavilion - (seasonal) Enfield, NH Great View Roller Skating - 603-632-7878/632-7609 Merrimack, NH Good Times Roller Skating Center - 603-429-0435 Newington/Portsmouth, NH Happy Wheels - 603-431-2267 Salem, NH Granite Skate - 603-898-3430 New York Manhattan - (212) Manhattan/New York City, NY The Roxy - 212-627-0404(events)/212-645-5156(office) Wollman Rink (Central Park) - 212-517-4800 (see text!) Chelsea Piers Roller Rinks - 212-336-6200 Metropolitan-Manhattan Skate Club - 212-687-1775(phone)/697-2363(fax) (see text!) Recreation World Ice Chalet - (closed) Riverbank State Park - (seasonal) Rivergate Ice Rink - (seasonal) Lezly Skate School - 212-777-3232 (see text!) Metropolis Roller Skate Club - (closed) the Boroughs - (718) Brooklyn/New York City, NY Empire Roller Disco - 718-462-1570 The Bronx/New York City, NY Key Skating Center (was Skate Key) - 718-401-0700(tape)/401-1387 Staten Island, NY Sports Fest Family Fun Center (was Bowling on the Green) - 718-980-1500/351-2160(fax) Long Island - (516) Baldwin/Long Island, NY Baldwin Park - 516-546-4481(park) (outdoor) Bay Shore/Long Island, NY Bay Shore Roller Skating Center - 516-665-7500 Bellmore/Long Island, NY Newbridge Arena - 516-599-6900/783-6181 (seasonal) Centereach/Long Island, NY A-Maze-N-Skates Family Amusement Center - (closed) Commack/Long Island, NY Commack Roller Rink - (closed) East Rockaway/Long Island, NY Bay Park - 516-571-7250 (outdoor) Hewlett/Long Island, NY Grant Park - 516-571-7821/571-7820 (outdoor) Inwood/Long Island, NY Inwood Park - 516-571-7694 (outdoor) Lynbrook/Long Island, NY Hot Skates - 516-593-1300/593-1424 Massapequa/Long Island, NY United Skates of American Roller Rink - 516-795-5473/795-5474 Oceanside/Long Island, NY Oceanside Park - 516-763-0700(park) (outdoor) Patchogue/Long Island, NY Sun Skates - 516-244-9505 Rockville Centre/Long Island, NY Rockville Centre Rink - 516-766-0300 (outdoor) Seaford/Wantaugh/Long Island, NY Cedar Creek Park - 516-571-7473 (outdoor) Southeastern - (914) Ferndale, NY Skaters World Roller Rink - 914-292-3288 Hyde Park/Poughkeepsie, NY Rollermagic Skating Center (aka Hyde Park...) - 914-229-6666/229-2346 Mamaroneck/Larchmont, NY Hommocks Park Ice Rink - 914-834-1069 (outdoor) New Windsor - Vails Gate/Newburgh, NY Upskate New York Roller Rink - 914-562-6565 Port Ewen/Kingston, NY Wood-N-Wheel Roller Rink (or Wooden Wheel...) - 914-331-9680/338-0242 Eastern - (518) Amsterdam, NY High Rollers - 518-843-0783 Cairo, NY Cairo Purling Roller Rink - 518-622-9117 Clifton Park, NY Starburst Roller Rink - 518-371-1567 Ghent/Chatham, NY Skate Factory - 518-822-8453 Glens Falls/Queensbury, NY Skateland of Glens Falls (aka ... Family Fun Center) - 518-792-8989 Latham/Cohoes, NY Guptill's Skating Arena (aka Latham Roller Skating Center) - 518-785-0660 Malone, NY Skateland - 518-483-7810 Newcomb, NY Newcomb Skating Rink - 518-582-4901 Plattsburgh, NY Lake City Skate - 518-566-7528 Rotterdam/Schenectady, NY Rollarama - 518-355-2140 Troy, NY S & S Roller Skating - 518-370-5139/238-1575 (see text!) Warnerville, NY Warnerville Roller Rink - 518-234-3386 Southern - (607) Elmira, NY Joycrest Skating Rink - 607-732-0494 Endwell/Endicott, NY Roller Dome - 607-785-5012 Oneonta, NY Interskate 88 - 607-432-0366 Sidney, NY Hillcrest Roller Rink (aka Skate-A-Rama II) - 607-563-8144/563-8456 Vestal/Binghampton, NY Skate Estate - 607-797-9000 West Burlington, NY Burlington Roller Rink - 607-965-8113 West Windsor/Binghamton, NY Skate World - 607-775-3949 Western - (315) Auburn, NY Funtastics Rollerskating (aka Superskate Roller Rink) - 315-258-9232/255-2075 Reva Rollerdome - 315-252-8225 Baldwinsville, NY Empire Skates - (closed) Dolgeville, NY Magic Skates - 315-429-9360 Earlville, NY Red Barn Roller Rink - 315-691-6655 Fulton, NY Bilou Roller Skating Rink - 315-598-9823 Geneva, NY Geneva Rollerdrome - 315-789-6033 Macedon/Rochester, NY Rollerworks Skating Rink - 315-986-7709 Mattydale/Syracuse, NY Action Sports & Skate Center (aka Dance-N-Skate) - 315-454-9539 Massena, NY 13662 Fredericks Sports & Fitness - 315-769-2885 Pulaski, NY Pulaski Roller Drome - 315-298-4827 Rome, NY Skate-A-While - 315-337-8744 Syracuse, NY Skate-N-Place - 315-487-0721 Utica, NY Midstate Skating Arena (aka North Utica Arena) - 315-797-0544 Skate-A-Rama Roller Skating Arena - 315-797-1334 Watertown, NY Watertown Roller Rink - 315-782-0662 Northwestern - (716) Angola, NY Angola Roller & Sport Center (aka Angola Rollercade) - 716-549-1971 Buffalo, NY New Skateland (aka Wall Street) - 716-882-2104 (seasonal) University Skating Center - 716-836-1220 Canandaigua, NY Greater Canandaigua Civic Center - 716-394-9499 (seasonal) Cheektowaga, NY Skateland of Cheektowaga - 716-892-0075 Churchville, NY Melb Skating & Sound - 716-594-4060 Cuba, NY Doc's Circus Gardens (was Ray's Roller Rink) - 716-968-2053/968-3141 Depew/Buffalo, NY Depew Roller Skating Center - 716-681-6880/681-6881 Dunkirk, NY Roll Arena Skating Rink - (closed) Franklinville, NY Skateland Of Franklinville (aka ... Family Fun Center) - 716-676-2655 Honeoye Falls, NY Be-Mar Roller Skating - 716-624-1826 Jamestown, NY Evan's Skateland - 716-664-7351 Lockport, NY Skateland of Lockport - 716-433-5605 Maple Springs, NY Midway Amusement Park - 716-386-3165 (seasonal) North Tonawanda/Buffalo, NY Rainbow Roller Rink - 716-693-1100 Olcott/Newfand, NY Olcott Skating Rink - 716-778-8321 Orchard Park/Buffalo, NY Orchard Park Roller Rink (aka Leisure Rinks Southtown) - 716-662-9860/662-5742/675-8992 Pike, NY High Roller Skating Rink - 716-493-2054 Rochester, NY Horizon Skateway (aka Horizon Fun F/X) - 716-865-0493/865-0495 United Skates of America Roller Rink - (closed) Wellsville, NY Funland Skate Center - 716-593-2000 West Seneca/Buffalo, NY D J Spinner's Skate & Dance Club (aka S J Spinner's?) - 716-826-6260 Williamsville, NY Eastern Hills Skating Center - 716-633-6060/633-6061 Rhode Island All Areas - (401) Narragansett/Wakefield, RI Narragansett Ocean Club (aka Ocean Skate) - 401-783-1711/783-6120 Rumford/East Providence, RI United Skates of America Roller Rink - 401-438-0090 Warwick/Providence, RI Rollermagic Warwick Skating Center (was Riverdale Rollerworld) - 401-823-1990/821-2595 Hillsgrove Country Club (aka Sholes Hillsgrove) - 401-737-9828 Woonsocket, RI Roller Kingdom - 401-766-7487/766-6347 Vermont All Areas - (802) Brattleboro, VT Rollerdrome - (closed) Stowe, VT Stowe Mountain Resort - 802-253-3000 Williston/Burlington, VT Skateland Roll-A-Rinx - 802-879-6151 ======================================================================== ======================================================================== Connecticut (203) - Southwestern Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury Phone numbers and addresses checked against a CD-ROM directory 1/96, This should be essentially all the roller rinks in the 203 area code. Some need to be called to see if they still exit... ==== Danbury, CT 06811 Sportland American (aka Fun Station USA, Fun Zones of Danbury) 40 Mill Plain Road 203-778-4386/730-0730 Mon-Thu 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Kids Skate Tues 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult 18+ Skate In-line skates permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic Coach [ web gleanings ] An adventure in roller skating, video arcades and laser tag is waiting at Fun Station USA, 40 Mill Plain Road in Danbury. Fun Station has devoted 24,000 square feet to family fun. Skaters can bring their own roller skates or in-line skates as long as they are not metal. Rentals are available for those without their own skates. Skaters can request songs at the D.J. booth located at the end of the big rink. Fun Station has a Mom & Me skating program for mothers and their preschoolers. Also available are two bowling lanes, a train ride and kids climbing thing, a snack bar and laser tag. ==== Monroe, CT 06468-1107 Skatetyme Roller Rink (aka Skate Time...) 193 Main Street Monroe is located in southwestern Connecticut between Danbury and Bridgeport. From Bridgeport, take the Rt 25 expressway north to where it ends at Rt 111, then continue on Rt 25 for about 1-1/2 miles, the rink should be on the left, just after Judd Road. 203-268-4041 RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs ==== Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Eastern Greenwich Civic Center (Riverside Center?) Harding Road 203-637-4583 [ net gleanings ] Auditorium/Gym. Large meeting room. Two small meeting rooms. Kitchen. Scheduled events include dances, concerts, picnics, fashion, dog, antique and trainshows, seminars, banquets, bridal and baby showers, roller skating, square dancing, Weight Watchers, trimnastics and aerobics classes. ==== Wallingford, CT 06492 Roller Haven II Barnes Industrial Park Wallingford is located in southern Connecticut, between New Haven and Meridan. From I-91, get off at the Rt 68 - Barnes Road exit and head west on Barnes Road for about 2 miles and look for a Barnes Industrial Park. The rink is supposed to be in the industrial park near this area. 203-265-2286 Wed 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult Night - 70's/80's/requests Sun 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Artistic/Organ Music Night Impregnated concrete - Medium - Air Conditioned Some In-lines Permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS artistic and JO Clubs [ Robert.Greene@mail.trincoll.edu (Robert Greene) ] This rink is the successor of RollerHaven in North Haven CT, but is under different management. The rink is small-to-medium in size and is open most evenings, with Thursday being the adult night with both oldies and modern music. The sound system is good and the lights came from the now-defunct Plainville CT rink. There is a small, loyal following of adult night skaters and the rink is not crowded. The average age on adult night is probably 30. The skating time is totally unstructured (no couples, men-only, women-only or other special skates). The rink has an active dance program and also a special "side-winders" session, catering to those of us who like to skate sideways. Because the floor is concrete, it hurts to fall and is hard on your wheels. It's moderately ripply, but once you learn where the dips are, you're OK. There are four padded iron poles up the middle of the floor which limit the amount of space in the center of the rink. Black-booted inlines are not allowed. [ robert.greene@mail.cc.trincoll.edu (Bob Greene) ] RollerHaven II of Wallingford, CT has moved a mile down the street from it's original Wallingford, CT location. It's off the same exit from Interstate 91 and Route 15. The original RollerHaven II had a treated cement floor, and I was hoping that the move would bring either a urethane or even better, a real wood floor. My hopes were to no avail, as the new floor is also treated concrete. It REALLY hurts to fall. Oh well, at least it's still in business. ==== Wallingford, CT 06492-2308 Wheel World (aka Entertainment Plus) 344 North Cherry Street Extension 203-284-5822 Mon 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult 18+ Disco Wed 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult 21+ Oldies Thur 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Organ Music *** other non-adult session According the attendent, Bill Fellows plays live on Thursday Nights. [ web gleanings ] Wheel World had its grand opening in November 1995. Kathy McNulty, one of the partners, also is the manager. The rink is in a building that previously housed an electrical supply company. ==== Waterbury, CT 06704-2412 Rollermagic Roller Rink (was High Rollers, 5-D's) 40 Industry Lane Waterbury is located in central Connecticut, about 25 miles north of Bridgeport. This Rollermagic is located in the northeastern part of Waterbury. From I-84, get off at exit 22 - Rt 69 and head northeast on Rt 96 for about 2-1/2 miles, then turn left onto Lakewood Road and right onto Industry Lane. The rink should be about half-way down, on the right side. 203-596-9019/596-9021 Wed 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Adult-18 Session (** also lots of open sessions Thursday thru Sunday, call **) In-lines permitted and for rent. USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs [ (Lorre Smith) ls973@uacsc1.albany.edu - edited] This rink is tucked in behind what looks like a main suburban commercial strip. It has a very large snack bar/video game area and a smallish rink. They rent both in-line and conventional skates, and the crowd seemed to be about half and half. We paid $6.00 each admission for a 7:30-11:30 session on a Saturday night, and there were no "specials" except one ladies only and one men only. The rest of the night was just pure good skating. The sound system is very good and a live DJ takes requests all night long. The DJ played a lot of rap, R&B and dance music, much to the pleasure of a GREAT group of dancers on the sidelines. It seemed to be a teenage crowd, with the occasional adult, but the skill level was fairly good, so there wasn't a lot of thrashing about or falling. The rink surface is wood, but it appears to have been built on top of a very solid surface, which seems like concrete. It is marvelous!! The small size means there is constantly a turn to be made, but it is indeed a real peasure to keep turning on that great rink surface. The middle seems to be reserved for the better skaters who are trying out their trick moves. Roller Magic has another rink on South Main Street in Waterbury, but I have only seen the rink, not yet skated on it. [ NILEITA@mln.lib.ma.us (Nileita Williams) ] We also went to Waterbury's "Roller Magic" on a Saturday night and although I agreed with the author of this review in terms of skating surface and snack bar etc., the management was extremely restrictive. Perhaps this was because it was a Saturday night and a lot of pre-teens were there. No backward skating, keep moving... ==== Waterbury, CT 06706-1727 Roller Magic Roller Rink (was Waterbury Skating Center) 60 Harvester Road Waterbury is located in central Connecticut, about 25 miles north of Bridgeport. This Rollermagic is located in the southern part of Waterbury. From I-84, get off at exit 22 - Rt 69 and head southeast Washington Street for about 8 blocks, then turn left onto South Main Street. The rink is located on Harvester Road, this is probably an industrial loop off the right side of Main in this area. 203-574-2118/753-4983 RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic, JO and Speed Clubs This is apparently a second Roller Magic rink, in downtown rather than suburban Waterbury. ==== West Torrington, CT 06970 Riverside Roller Park 668 Riverside Ave 203- Planned In June 1996 a group of Torrington businessmen proposed a plan to convert the old Avery Green Dairy into a roller skating rink, including a snack bar and video game room. The rinks could also be used for roller hockey or as a dance hall. In addition to the skating rink, the 11,000-square-foot building will house a refreshment stand and a video game room. The rink may also be used as a dance hall and, if there is interest, for roller hockey, DallaValle said. In August, the Zoning board approved the required zoning changes and the developers reprsentative, Richard DallaValle, indicated that they planned to go foward as quickly as possible, but there's been nothing in the news since and as of February 1997, no listing under the name above. ======================================================================== Connecticut (860) - Northern and Eastern Hartford, New London, Norwich, Windsor Phone numbers and addresses checked against a CD-ROM directory 1/96, This should be essentially all the roller rinks in the 860 area code. Some need to be called to see if they still exit... ==== East Hartford, CT 06108 On-Dek Sports 70 Tolland Street East Hartford is located in central Connecticut across the river from Hartford. From the I-84 tangle get onto US 5 - Main Street headed north for about a half-mile, then turn right to head east on US 6 - Burnside Avenue for 1/4 mile. Bear left onto Tolland Street and On-Dek should be on the left in the first block. 860-289-4550 Hockey - Indoor SportCourt Floor On-Dek Sports opened in February 1996 and is primarily an indoor in-line and deck center. A newspaper article mentioned that they were considering recreational in-line skating sessions. ==== Groton, CT 06340 Galaxy Skating Rink (was Groton Skate Center, United Skates, Skatetown USA) 210 Bridge Street Groton is located on the eastern Connecticut seacoast, across the Thames river from New London. From I-95, get off at exit 49 - Bridge Street and turn left at the end of the ramp. The rink should be right at this corner. 860-446-2609 Thurs 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Organ/Artistic Skating Night Sun 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Adult Night 50's-90's Wood Floor - Medium - Air Conditioned In-lines Permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs [ Robert.Greene@mail.trincoll.edu (Robert Greene) ] This older rink has seen better days, but is still grand. The floor is large and though it's in need of a coat of poly, it's very smooth. Sunday is adult night and a rowdy band of ex-SkateLand East (East Haven) regulars whip around the floor. This is no place for a new skater. The average age on adult night is about 22. The music is a good mix of 70' s, 80's and current, with requests put on almost right away. The decor and light show is pure 70's (which is when this rink was built) and fun to watch. Inlines are allowed, but it's mostly racing-style quads. Skating time is completely unstructured (no special skates). Recently, I was witness to a show of tripping amoung the regulars which I haven't seen since Skateland East in the 70's. There were many minor injuries. I reinterate, this is no place for a newbie. I don't know if there is a dance program. [grr] Since this posting, the rink has closed and re-opened under the new name of Galaxy Skateland. [ robert.greene@mail.cc.trincoll.edu (Bob Greene) ] I checked out the Galaxy Skating rink. It has reopened the old Groton Skate Center, which is really great news since the floor is so nice. I spoke to the new owner, who seemed very sincere about keeping the rink a nice family place. I was there on a Saturday afternoon and they seemed to be doing a good business. ==== Middleton, CT 06457-2806 Holiday Skating Rink 547 Main Street Middleton is located in southern Connecticut, east of Meridan and south of Hartford. From I-91, get off at exit 22 - Rt 9 and head southeast on Rt 9 towards Middletown. Turn right onto Rt 66, Washington Street and after a block, right onto Rt 17A - Main Street. The rink should be on the left, not far from this intersection. 860-346-0777 In-line skates permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs [ web gleanings ] John Milazzo has owned this rink in Middletown for 38 years. ==== Plainfield, CT 06374 Skate Inn Route 12 Plainfield is located in eastern Connecticut, about 15 miles northeast of Norwich. From I-395, get off at exit 88 - Rt 14A - Cemetery Road, and head west on Rt 14A. The first intersection is Rt 12 - the rink is probably somewhere between this intersection and Plainfield. 860-564-2623 RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs ==== Plainville, CT 06062 Plainville Indoor Sports Arena 161 Woodford Avenue From Hartford , take 84 West to exit 34 - Crooked Street. Take a left at the light and go to the end of the over pass. At first light, take a right and travel straight for 1/4 to 1/2 mile. The Facility is on the right. Look for the Green windows, roof, and awning. 860-793-9999 Mon-Fri 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Practice & Parties 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Hockey Games Sat 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Hockey Games Sun 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Hockey Games Hockey - Indoor 150'x65' Pro Shop - Snack Bar [ web gleanings ] The Plainville Indoor Sports Arena, "P.I.S.A." as we like to call it, has been serving the sporting public for the past 5 years. P.I.S.A. is the fastest growing indoor Dek and Roller Hockey facility around! With an official roller hockey rink size of 150x65, competitors experience "the real thing". P.I.S.A. is a completely indoor facility, with air conditioning for the summer and a pleasant hockey environment winter long! Family owned and operated, Real and Agnes Lemieux or one of the many professional staff members, is always ready to help or answer any questions. See http://www.indoorsports.com/ for current information, schedules, news and rankings. Stratford, CT 06497 Long Beach Skateland 55 Washington Parkway Stratford is located along the Connecticut seashore just east of Bridgeport. Skateland is located along the beach between Lordship Beach and Long Beach. From I-95, get off at exit 30 - Rt 113 - Lordship Boulevard and head southeast on Rt 113 towards the beach for about 2 miles. At Oak Bluff Avenue, Rt 113 will turn left, but continue straight along Stratford Avenue to Stratford Road, then turn left onto Washington Parkway. The rink sould be about two blocks down, on the right between Hillside Avenue and Beach Drive. 860-378-9033 RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs ==== Vernon, CT 06066-5517 Ron-A-Roll Skate Center 85 South Frontage Road Vernon is located in central Connecticut, about 12 miles northeast of Hartford. From I-84, get off at exit 64 - Rt 83. The rink is on a Frontage Road, which may or may not be near the interchange. 860-872-8400 Tues 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Adult-18 Session - Oldies thru 80's Wood Floor - Medium - Air Conditioned In-lines Permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artsitic and JO Clubs [ Robert.Greene@mail.trincoll.edu (Robert Greene) ] This rink was an indoor tennis place until it was done over into a roller rink in the late 80's. The floor is of medium size, though the building could fit a much larger skating surface. It reminds me of an aircraft hanger, with huge 75' ceilings and unfinished walls. Because of it's size, it's often cold inside in winter. The rink is open most nights and Tuesday is adult night. The average age on adult night is probably 24. Adult night music is limited and often ill-chosen. The DJ only rarely takes requests. One can only stand so much of "YMCA" by the Village People when the DJ (who is the owner's wife) "threatens" to leave it on all night unless the crowd participates. Bad for business and the regulars just leave. Weekends are great for kids and teenagers and are quite crowded. Ron-A-Roll is a certified day-care facility and runs (from what I understand) an active daytime enterprise with supervised activities for little ones. The floor is quite ripply and bumpy in spots and the roof often leaks onto the floor during heavy rains, causing the only hydro-planing accidents I've ever seen on a skating floor. The sound system is good, quite powerful. Inlines with floor-safe bolts are allowed and it's about a 50-50 mix between inlines and quads. The skating time is structured into mostly all-skate, with dedicated couples, men-only, women-only and backward skating. ==== West Suffield, CT 06093 Babbs Roller Skating Rink Babbs Road West Suffield is located in northern Connecticut, between Springfield, Massachussetts and Granby/Simmsbury Connecticut. The Babbs rink is on the shore of Congamond lakes. From I-91, get off at exit 40 - Rt 20 and head west towards the airport. Continue on Rt 20 to Rt 187, turn right to head north on Rt 187 for about four miles, then turn left onto Rt 168 and follow Rt 168 for about four more miles to Babbs Road. Turn right onto Babbs Road, The rink could be here, or a mile further north in the Babbs Beach area. In general, look for signs pointing at the lakes/recreation area, it's not directly visible from the road. 860-668-7073 Closed Wood Floor - Pretty Smooth Snack Bar - Games - No Smoking In-line Skates permitted and available for rent [ lainer@map.com (Ellen Lainer) - edited from form ] Babb's is a nice, older rink which is located at the Congamond lakes, a quaint lakeshore resort area. It is convenient for the kids in the area and for us adults. I love the place, it's not as cosmetically nice as Agawam, but it is quaint and fun. Plus, it's a lot closer than the Springfield area rinks. The skating floor is wood and pretty smooth, though I'm not sure of the dimensions. There is a snack bar and a few video games, smoking is only permitted outside of the building. They are open Saturdays and Sundays to the general public. I don't believe there are any special adult sessions. The rink can also be rented for birthdays and other occasions. [ lainer@map.com (Ellen Lainer) ] On June 30th [1996], Babbs will be closing its doors. Apparently, the old building is in need of major electrical updating (to the tune of $30,000). I was hoping that the town would take it over, or that some wealthy soul would buy and renovate the place, but it doesn't seem to be happening. I just starting going to Babbs this year, as I am a new resident to the area. I am saddened to see it close. [ web gleanings ] Babbbs Beach was a summer lake resort operated by the Babbs Family. As recreation trends changes, the resort became less active and Nelson Babb Jr. eventually donated the property to the town, on the provsion that he could retain his residence and lease the rink back for a nominal sum. The town operated a recreation program at the beach until recent budget cutbacks. Babbs, 77, was content to operate the roller rink and donated the proceeds to various self- help charities. The rink did close in in June 1996, and there was an auction to sell off all the skating related equipment in September. A newspaper article mentioned that some people were interested in operating the facility as a rink, but made it sound more like wishful thinking than serious. It also implied that the town would rather have a parking lot or soccer field at the lake than a commercial operation. ==== Windsor, CT 06095 Kidsport Family Fun & Fitsness 330 Windsor Avenue 860-249-3606 Kidsport appears to be a fitness/daycare/party center for kids that's fairly new and also added skating in 1996. ======================================================================== ======================================================================== Maine (207) - All Areas ==== Auburn, ME 04210-6846 Rollodrome 12 Riverside Drive 207-777-3940 RSA Member Rink ==== Augusta, ME 04330-9475 Happy Wheels Skating Center 1 Anthony Ave 207-623-4973 ==== Bangor, ME 04401 Great Skates Entertainment Silver Road Across the interstate from the Airport 207-945-0202 Tues 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Family Night Wed 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult-18+ Fri 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Skating & Dancing (teens) Sat 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Sun 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Adult-25+ RSA Member Rink The RSA directory also lists a Great Skates on Stillwater Avenue in Old Town, Maine, which may be a prior location or mailing address. ==== Bangor, ME 04401-3237 Skate Scene 38 School Street Just off of Broadway near the Broadway Shopping Center. 207-947-1559 ==== Caribou, ME 04736 Melody Roller Rink Access Highway 207-493-3259 ==== Houlton, ME 04730 Rollerama Of Houlton North Road 207-532-9897 ==== Livermore Falls, ME 04254 Livermore Falls Skating Center Rt 17 and 133 - Park Livermore Falls is about 20 miles west of Augusta on the way to Farmington. The rink is in Livermore Falls Park. 207-897-4006 Skate Shop USAC/RS Hockey, JO and Speed Clubs [ web gleanings ] Roller skating for the entire family. Open all year long. Group and private parties available, lessons also available. Classes open for dance, freestyle, figure, speed and hockey. We sell skates and skate- board parts. ==== Mexico, ME 04257 Mexico Recreation Department ? 207-364-4912 Seasonal? According to a area Chamber of Commerce listing, the Mexico Recreation Department offers Winter roller skating. ==== Milo, ME 04463 Skateway Roller Rink Park Street 207-943-2617 ==== Norridgewock, ME 04957 Family Fun Center Roller Skating Waterville Road 207-634-4485 ==== Oxford/Norway, ME 04270 Motion 26 Route 26 207-539-4670 This is an operating roller rink. ==== Portland, ME 04103-1106 Happy Wheels Skating Center 331 Warren Ave 207-797-8207 ==== Rockland, ME 04841-3045 Rockland Skate Center 25 Chestnut Street 207-594-1023 ==== Sanford, ME 04073-3701 The Family Skate Center 1 Angola Street 207-324-3241 ==== Scarborough/Portland, ME 04074-8930 Happy Wheels Skating Center 441 Payne Road Scarborough is just south of Portland, take Rt 1 South, then look for the road to Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth and Two Lights park. 207-883-3713 ==== Smithfield, ME 04978 Sunset Camps Route 8 207-362-2611 [ web gleanings ] The roller rink looked like some guy's garage who redid the floor himself, after watching This Old Garage on PBS. The fact that it was dangling above edge of the lake didn't help its image either. I myself chose not to skate on this rink-o-death, and stayed off to the side to research the history of the place. According to the various poorly lit photos, and assorted other bits of history scattered about the place, the garage wasn't quite as old as Sunset Camps. [ grr ] The above is from a web page titled "Pat's Babbling". There is a Sunset Camps in Smithfield, beyond that it's your guess. ==== Topsham, ME 04086 Rollerworld Augusta Road 207-725-6077 RSA Member Rink ==== Waterville, ME 04901 Happy Wheels Skate Ctr Halifax 207-873-1805 ======================================================================== ======================================================================== ************************************************************************* * Neighborhood/Rink Safety Notes * ************************************************************************* * * * Specific skating rinks in this section are tagged as *NOT* being * * located in in good neighborhoods or suffering from other potential * * personal safety problems. * * * * If you choose to visit them, please take appropriate precautions * * for your own safety and peace of mind. See the safety section in * * the overview posting for some specific cautions and suggestions. * * * ************************************************************************* Massachusetts (617) - Boston and Surrounding Areas Boston, Cambridge, Plymouth, Quincy ==== Dorchester/Boston, MA 02124-2721 Chez-Vous Disco Rink (aka ...Roller Rink) - 11 Rhoades Street Rt. 203 & Blue Hill Ave on Rhodes behind Police Station 617-825-6877/265-2623(fax) Mon-Fri ??:?? PM - ??:?? PM Daily Public Skating Fri 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Gospel Night? Sat noon - 3:00 PM Family Time (12 & under) 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM Family Time (13 & over) 8:00 PM - midnite Raggae & Hip-Hop (13 & over) Sun 8:00 PM - midnite Adult Night (21 & over w/ID) *** probably more daytime/evening sessions than listed call **** See the neighborhood/rink saftey note in the overview posting [ grr ] Chez Vous is mentioned often in Boston newspapers, both because of problems at the rink and because, for a long time, it was the home of Rev. Bruce Wall's youth ministry and tends to get mentioned anytime youth/gang problems in the Boston area are discussed. The owners continue to emphasize the community service aspect, and it is also the only remaining urban Boston skating rink. Rev. Wall ran his ministray at the rink from roughly 1989 to 1992, when a change in managment at the rink led to a falling out, and he moved to a nearby building housing the local police station. One of the frequently mentioned features of the ministry was an exhibit in the rink knows as "the Wall", a list of victims of gang/youth violence maintained as a memorial and reminder. In January 1994, there was a shooting incident where some gunmen entered the rink during a public session and injured 6 customers. In a separate incident in November 1994, a teenager was fatally stabbed outside the rink, after the rink closed early due to an altercation inside. The rink had closed after the first incident, then reopened after the owner installed metal detectors and hired more bouncers, but he said that they hadn't expected the altercation to continue outside the rink and that police from the nearby station had been slow in arriving. This doesn't mean that skating at the rink, especially the adult night is particularly unsafe, however the rink does serve a troubled community and problems can arise. See http://www.quikpage.com/C/chezvous/index.html for current info. [ fwheel@ace.com (Fwheel) ] Without going into the reasons why, or how, something like this [shooting] occured at a roller rink, I would like to give those in charge of Chez-Vous as well as those who go to the rink a little credit. While most, if not all other rinks have closed and sold out to profit!, Chez-Vous remains. People outside the community may have little appreciation for it, but a rink that brings in 200+ many nights is clearly an asset to us. Spinoff [another downtown Boston rink] had metal detectors years before Chez-Vous, not to mention its share of violence and shootings. While Spinoff was truely on of the greatest rinks ever, it's gone. Chez-Vous re-opens saturday the 30th, metal detectors in place. [ fwheel@ace.com (Fwheel) - responding to a request for more information ] Ok here we go! You did ask... Chez-Vous cannot easily be described or classified but I will do what I can. 1. The adult session is the only one I go to so unless you are 18+ [21+?] I can't help. It's Sunday's at 8:30. 2. As long as you're there to skate!!! you will have no problem - everyone is there for a good time. 3. The rink is wood floor, a bit small and there are poles separating the outside (fast) from the inside (freestyle, whatever) - also the wood is hard fast and rarely coated with that sticky stuff, depends what you like I guess. 4. As for the sound - well if your windows are down anywhere inside Rt 128 you should hear it. As for facilities - this is a skater's rink, not much in the way of video games, fuzzy toy machines etc. 5. If you have to ask about the neighborhood it will probably scare you, but please try not to pre-judge the people of Dorchester, etc. there's all ethnic groups over there and most are decent. Anyone who wants to come but might be a bit apprehensive should arrive early, there is no parking lot so the closer you get to the door the better you may feel. Also I think the lockers fill pretty quick. The rink is located directly behind the police station (with matching doughnut shop) right at Gallivan Blvd (Rt 203) and Blue Hill Ave on Rhodes St. - it's most of the block. If anyone wants more info they can E-mail to fwheel@ace.com. Give the place a chance. Thanks. [ NILEITA@mln.lib.ma.us (Nileita Williams) ] I think the DJ's at Chez Vous are the BEST in any facility I've skated. Requests aren't acknowledged but there really is no need for special requests. These DJs are aware of the mood, the skaters and what they (skaters) would like to listen and dance-skate to. These young adults and many of the older crowd come to skate and fellowship sort of like an end of the weekend topper. [ NILEITA@mln.lib.ma.us (Nileita Williams) - update ] Chez Vous of Dorchester/Mattapan has gone high tech. They have a new sound system and the music is still good if not better than ever. They continue to play the latest R&B, Rap and Raggae. Their music selection is by far the best within the Boston/West/South and East of all the rinks. The snack bar has been remodeled and you can buy chicken in the basket, fries, hamburgers....a meal if you will. Now for the latest; they've installed about 10-12 TV monitors all lined above the rink entrance and when you don't feel like skating you can watch anything from the sports channel to the Disney channel. I believe there are 2 or 3 monitors in the snack area as well. They still cater to the kiddies and a few riding toys are still available. The adult night (Sunday 8-12) is ongoing and still provides a good end of the week session for anyone who loves to skate. I hadn't been in a while but I think I'll be going a lot more frequently; it's such a good session and you just cannot get to dance-skate to the music that this rink features in any of the other rinks in the area. ==== Norwood, MA 02062-1066 Roll-Land 942 Boston-Providence Highway - US 1 617-762-6999 Closed Maple Floor - about 170' x 70' Local reports are that this rink has closed, whether for good or not is unclear. Roll-Land is an "old time" type of rink. The floor dimensions are something like 170'x70', the floor is "rock" maple, and in many ways is the best floor in the northeast. However, some recent water damage has left some rather large "moguls" in the far corner. ==== Saugus, MA 01906-1906 Roller World 425 Broadway - US 1 Saugus is located in eastern Massachusetts, about 8 miles northeast of Boston. From I-95/Rt 128, get off at exit 44 - US 1 - Boston, and head south on US 1 towards Boston, for about 2 miles. The rink should be near the Rt 129 interchange and is behind a Pizza Hut and KFC. 617-231-1111 Tues 10:00 AM - Noon Adult Morning Session 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic Session - Live organ music Thurs 10:00 AM - Noon Adult Morning Session 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM Mostly Adult Session Hardwood Floor - 180'x80' - Good Condition Skate Shop - Snack Bar - Smoking Area - Games - Air Conditioning "Rink Safe" In-line skates permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs [ Mary Pyche ] The Saugus rink has the best sessions in the U.S. for "old" skaters. Tuesday and Thursday mornings, ex-artistic skaters from the 1940s and upwards skate and practice to organ music. They were featured on TV about a years ago. It's an incredible and wonderful thing to see. They get about 50 people per session. Some skaters are even in their 80s. [ aboulanger@ldgo.columbia.edu (Albert Boulanger) - edited ] Saugus has a nice floor, with an all-ages session on Thursday that was once an adult session. [ a&rengravers@boston.sisna.com (Ray Palleschi) - edited from form ] The skating surface at Rollerworld is hardwood, 180x80 feet, coated with roll-on. The floor condition is good, they've had problems with the coating staying on the floor, but this has improved recently. There is an artistic session Tuesday night, with live organ music by Paul Gagnon. This session features several sets of dances up though silver level and perhaps some gold level. The Tuesday and Thursday morning sessions are still going strong, with 40-50 skaters at many sessions. Rollerworld has a well stocked skate shop and snack bar. There are games, a smoking area and the rink is air-conditioned. In-line skates with recessed bolts are permitted, but no available for rent. See http://www.boston.sisna.com/users/saugussc/rworld.html for additional information on Roller World. See http://www.boston.sisna.com/users/saugussc/ for information about the Saugus Skating Club. ==== Waltham, MA 02154 Wal-Lex Rollerway (aka ... Recreation Center) 814 Lexington Street The Wal-Lex is located at 814 Lexington St. Waltham, MA. From 128/95 take the Trapelo Road. exit in Waltham. This exit is south of the intersection of 128/95 and Rt 2. Follow Trapelo Rd until the second stop light at the intersection of Trapelo Rd. and Lexington St. Take a right. The Wal-Lex is located a half a mile down on the right at the end of a shopping complex at the intersection of of Lexington and Lake St. 617-893-7070 Fri 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM In-line Skates permitted RSA Member Rink This is apparently and old-timey sort of place that includes both a bowling alley and roller rink. The skating hours are rather limited. In the winter of 1996, the In-line Club of Boston started holding occassional Saturday evening indoor dance skating parties at Wal-Lex. See http://www.sk8net.net/icb/ for more info on ICB activites. ==== Whitman, MA 02382-1729 USA Skatetown (aka Skatetown USA) 1055 Auburn Street 617-857-1286 Tues 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Family Night Wed 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM Fri 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM 7:30 PM - midnight Sat 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 7:30 PM - midnite Sun 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Maple Floor - 180'x74' RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Arstisic, JO and Speed Clubs According to the attendent the sessions are all-ages, with mostly top-40 music. On Ladies night, women skate free and men pay extra... This rink made the national news in January 1996 when an entryway roof collapsed under a heavy snow load, injuring several people. The damage wasn't major and the rink was to reopen shortly. [ DCH57@aol.com (Paula Hayes) - edited ] My home rink is Skatetown USA in Whitman. It has a maple hardwood floor with a roll-on coating that measures 180x74. The floor is pretty smooth and they are good about keeping it clean. We have art practice almost every day and welcome guests to the practice sessions. The manager of the rink happens to be one of the dance coaches so we do get a lot of practice time compared to many rinks. ======================================================================== Massachusetts (508) - Eastern outside of Boston Area Fall River, Framingham, Lowell, New Bedford, Worchester ==== Beverly/Salem, MA 01915-5536 Roller Palace 130 Sohier Road Beverly is located in eastern Massachusetts about 16 miles northeast of Boston. From Boston, take I-95 to Rt 128, and then head east on Rt 128 towards Beverly. Get off at exit 19 - Sohier/Brimbal Road and head south on Sohier into Beverly. The rink should be somewhere along Sohier, probably near the interchange end. 508-927-4242 Thurs 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM Artistic Session Hardwood Floor - 180'x80' RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic, JO and Speed Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] I believe this rink has a wood floor, probably pecan or beech. [ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) ] Monday night [adult?] session at the rink in Beverly. [ RSKATE@aol.com (Bob Comeau) - edited ] I teach at the rink in Beverly, which has a 180x80 hardwood floor with roll-on coating. We always are open to people coming to the artistic practice sessions. Usually the first time is as a guest, after that we ask that you pay the practice fee like everyone else. We have practice on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We also have an artistic session on Thursday evenings. Any questions leave me a note. ==== Bradford/Haverhill, MA 01835-7228 Skateland (was Bradford Family ...) 19 Railroad Avenue Bradford is located in northeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles north of Boston. From I-495, get off at exit 49 - River Street and head east on River Street for about 1-1/2 miles to a traffic light just after the White Hen. Turn right at the light and cross the river on the Gozelian Bridge, then make the first right, before the railroad underpass, onto Railroad Avenue. The rink is on the right, just after a gas station. 508-372-3050(tape)/372-2334 Wed 10:00 PM - 12:00 PM Adult daytime skate 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM After school skate 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Thurs 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic Session Fri 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Top-40 Sat 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM tiny tot 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM kids 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Top-40 Sun 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM kids 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult Nite Coated Concrete Floor - about 180 x 80 "Rink Safe" In-Lines permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS JO Club [ Mary Pyche ] Skating has been done on this site since the 1950s. The interior was extensively renovated from June to October 1995. Has bright, colorful, modern, youth-oriented decor. White plastic coated concrete floor measures 80 x 180. Top 40 music. Disco lighting for special numbers and a smoke machine. Birthday area for pre-arranged parties. Strict rules for safety. [ Mary and her husband are the owners of this rink ] ==== Concord, MA 01742-3814 Valley Sports 2320 Main Street 508-369-8100 Seasonal This is a seasonal operation that has two ice rinks, but operates one of them as a roller rink during the summer months. ==== Fairhaven/New Bedford, MA 02719 Carousel Skating Center 4 David Drown Boulevard Fairhaven is located in south coastal Massachusetts, across the river from New Bedford. From I-195, get off at exit 17 - Sconticut Neck Road - Fairhaven, and head south towards Fairhaven for about a mile. Just after the US 6 interchange, make the first right onto David Drown Boulevard. The rink is right across from the Chowder House. 508-872-8400/800-870-4828 All sessions are open skating, call for information Maple Floor - about 175' x 75' Skate Shop - Snack bar - Games RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] The floor is about 175'x75' and is rock maple, and was in wonderful condition the last time I skated there. ==== Hudson/Worcester, MA 01749-1325 Roller Kingdom 5 Highland Park Avenue Hudson is located in central Massachusetts, about 15 miles northeast of Worcester. From I-495, get off at exit 26 - Rt 62 - Hudson and head east on Rt 62 for about a mile. After passing Heritage Mall, turn right onto Highland Park Avenue, the rink should be right at the intersection. 508-562-3440 Tues 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Adult Organ Music/Artistic Wed 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM Adult-18 Top-40/Rock Small Wooden Floor - about 160'x60' RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Aritist, JO and Hockey Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] This rink has a very small (160'x60'?) and very slippery floor. They say it is wood, but it's hard to tell under the very thick plastic coating. They have a small to medium artistic club, and have an artistic session on Thursday, and a very full schedule of public sessions. They were also installing lasar tag the last time I was there. [ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) ] There is a Wednesday night session at Roller Kindgdom. [ I called the rink and they gave the Tuesday as the Artistic/Organ ] [ music session - I'd suggest calling to double check before going. ] [ aboulanger@ldgo.columbia.edu (Albert Boulanger) - edited ] There is also a Roller Kingdom in Hudson MA, but a lot of the adult skaters there are hitting Tyngsboro. ==== Lancaster, MA 01523 Roll On America Route 2 Exit 24 508-534-8303 ==== Lawrence, MA 01843-3726 Roll On America (aka 21st Century Skateland?) 654 South Union Street 508-681-8690 RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs ==== Leominster, MA 01453 Roll On America Located just off or Rt 2 exit 34 or in Leominster. Leominster is located in central Massachusetts, about 20 miles north of Worchester. From I-195, where I-195 merges with Rt 2, you want to head east on Rt 2, away from Leominster and get off at the first exit, exit 34. The rink should be in the immediate vicinity. 508-537-4010 Wed 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Mostly Adults - Top-40/requests Coated Concrete Floor In-line skates permitted IAPAA Member RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) - edited ] This is a "party" rink. They have laser tag, miniature golf, an arcade and an animatronic band in the snack bar. The floor is concrete with a roll-on coating. ==== Milford, MA 01757-3273 Skate Palace 110 South Main Street Milford is located in southern Massachusetts, between Worchester and Boston. From I-495, get off at exit 20 - Rt 85 - Milford, and head south towards Milford. Follow Rt 85 into Milford till it ends at Rt 16 - Main Street. Turn right at the traffic light to head east on Main Street. Follow Main Street until you get to a set of traffic lights in front of a large church, and turn left there onto South Main Street. Follow South Main for about 1-1/2 miles, the rink is located on the right, just after a Chinese restaurant. 508-473-6611 Wed 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic Session Sun 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Artistic Session Wood Floor - about 180' x 80' In-line Skates permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] The floor is wood, either pecan or beech, and is about 180'x80'. Skate palace has a large artistic club, and many of their sessions are geared toward artistic skaters. Call for schedule. [ blpiazza@aol.com (Barry Piazza) ] Sunday and Wedneday - 4 or 5 sets of dances through gold medal and international plus some freestyle time. [ NILEITA@mln.lib.ma.us (Nileita Williams) ] Skate Palace/Milford has a dollar night on Tuesday evening. The music is generally Top-40 but the DJ's are so accomodating at this rink that any request you may have is played almost immediately if they have it. They also have the usual kiddie amusements but overall you can have an excellent session for three hours on weekend nights - Friday and Saturday. I was speaking with the manager and he is trying to set up an adult Top-40 night for future sessions. He has not decided what night this will take place but it is in the making. I've noticed that the adult skater numbers are increasing. People are returning to the fold of quad roller skating. ==== Millbury, MA 01527 Wheels Roller Skating Center 22 Howe Avenue Millbury is about 8 miles woutheast of Worcester. 508-865-0001 ==== New Bedford, MA 02746 Hot Wheels Recreation Center 424 Nash Road New Bedford is located in south coastal Massachusetts. From I-195, get off at exit 21 - Rt 18 and head north on Rt 18 for about a half mile, then turn left onto Nash Road. The rink should be a few blocks ahead, just after some railroad tracks and before Rt 140. 508-999-3350(business hours) Wed 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Open Session Fri 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Open Session Sat 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Open Session 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Open Session Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Open Session RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs According to the attendent, they don't have any specific Adult or Artistic skating sessions, Adults skate with kids on Wednesday or Saturday evenings. However, the rink does host an annual artistic event, described as either a seminar weekend, mini-skate camp or Halloween bash! This event scheduled for the weekend before Holloween and includes seminars on all aspects of artistic skating, group and private lessons, costume and creative skating events, dance sessions with live organ music, and an achievement test session. In addition, the rink is open 24-hours during the event! For additional information contact the rink or the event coordinator Sherry L. Westgate 508-295-8416. This rink apparently doesn't have a wood floor, though I don't know if it's platic over chipboard or concrete. ==== North Oxford, MA 01537 Cheap Skate Route 12 North Oxford is located in eastern Massachusetts, about 10 miles south of Wooster and a mile or so north of Oxford. 508-987-3561 Closed? The number is disconnected, and directory assistance doesn't have any other listing, however the rink still appears in a local business directory... ==== Orange, MA 01364-1220 Orange Roller Skating 141 East Main Street - Rt 2A 508-544-7203/544-8591 Sat 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM According to the recorded message, this is a roller skating rink which is open on Saturdays only. The address is also the Orange Armory, which is listed as an auditorium/hall rental operation. ==== Orleans/Cape Code, MA 02653 Charles Moore Arena O'Conner Way Orleans is about 2/3 of the way out Cape Cod. The rink is not far from the US 6 / Rt 6 interchange south of Orleans. 508-255-5902 Fri 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Rock Night (9-14 YO) Seasonal [ web gleanings ] Every Friday from mid-September through the end of March, the indoor roller-skating rink at the Charles Moore Arena features Rock Night from 8 to 10 PM. Kids ages 9 to 14 can skate while a DJ plays their rock favorites. ==== Taunton, MA 02780 Highland Heights Roller Skating Rink 4 Woodbine Street Taunton is located in southeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles south of Boston. Highland Heights is in the western suburbs of Taunton. From I-495, get off at exit 17 - Rt 24 and head briefly south on Rt 24, then get off at exit 13 - US 44 and head west on US 44 towards Taunton. Follow US 44 into the center of town, then turn right onto Rt 140. Follow Rt 140 for a few blocks then where Rt 140 turns right onto Tremont Street, go straight to stay on Washington Street. Follow this street up past Kilmer and Kearn, then turn right onto Oak street and left onto Woodbine. Note that it may actually be quicker to go past Taunton and come in on Rt 140 from the west, but either way it's a traditional New England tangle of cow paths designated as streets. 508-824-9363 Sun 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Artistic Session Thurs 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Artistic Session RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] Highland Heights is a "mom & pop" type rink and has been around for years and years. The floor is said to be small, but I have not skated there myself, so I can't give any dimensions. [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) - edited ] Taunton is a medium sized town for Mass, and has two competitive rinks. One is Highland Heights, a mom & pop rink, with one coach who produces very showey solo dance skaters...the other is the [in]famous Silver City, where John Viola teaches, as well as his daughter and her husband. The feeling among skaters in the region is that you can win nationals once for whoever you are skating for, and then if you expect to keep winning, or eventually move into World Class, you *must* go to Silver City. Given that sentiment, and that *every* rink in this region has lost skaters to Silver City, I am always awed that Highland Heights survives, and not only survives, but does extremely well competitively. I can think of only one skater that they've lost to Silver City. [ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) ] Artistic skating dance music - Sunday 7:30 to 9:30, Thursday 7 to 9 This is a small rink in a suburban neighborhood run by an elderly couple who built the rink 40 years ago. The floor is great and the rink is almost always empty ... because of ... [Silver City]. [ grr ] According to the attendent they are usually open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday - most sessions organ music, with Thursday being the artistic dance night. I'd suggest calling for more detail... ==== Taunton, MA 02780-5050 Silver City Skateland 1 Lawton Ave off Rt 138 Taunton is located in southeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles south of Boston. Silver City is in the southern suburbs of Taunton. From I-495, get off at exit 17 - Rt 24 and head briefly south on Rt 24, then get off at exit 13 - US 44 and head west on US 44 towards Taunton. Follow US 44 into the center of town, then turn left to head south on Rt 138. Follow Rt 138 for about two miles, then bear left onto Lawton Street. The rink should be right at the corner. 508-824-4866 Sun 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Public Artistic Session *** the rink is open 6 days/week for members and guests, see below Maple Floor - 190'x90' Snack Bar RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] Silver City has the largest floor in the Northeast, 200'x100', and I believe it is rock maple. Silver CITy boasts of having World Class national and world champions skating (and teaching) there. Last time I checked there was virtually no public skating and you need to be pretty courageous to skate their artistic session. Silver City, probably the best competitive rink near me. I've not been to their dance session. [ blpiazza@aol.com (Barry Piazza) ] Sunday - several dance sets through gold medal and international and freestyle time. This rink produces about 1/3 to 1/2 of all the World Class dance teams in the US. [ grr ] Silver City holds a St. Patrick's Day Invitational Meet including both standard Artistic and JO events. It sounds like a fairly major event, which would involved both judges and skaters from across the country, and also includes a social skate. [ Wrldgolds3@aol.com (Jody Viola Cohen) - edited ] Silver City is located in Taunton, MA just about half way between Cape Cod, and Boston. We have a rock maple floor 190*95. We welcome visitors to practice for a $5 fee, and are open for practice 6 days and nights, usually from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM or midnight. We also have an artistic session on Sunday evenings and you're welcome to be a guest at our club from 5:00 PM until that session starts. I teach there, along with the rest of my family. Hope to see some new faces! [ update ] Margie Patton, one of the organists from Roll-Land in Norwood, is now playing at Silver City. ==== Tyngsboro/Lowell, MA 01879 Roller Kingdom (aka Skate 3) 350 Middlesex Road (Rt 3a) Tyngsboro is located in northeastern Massachusetts between Lowell and Mashua. From Boston the Boston area take I-93 North to 128 South, then Take Rt 3 North in Burlington. Follow Rt 3 until Exit 36, then Take a right off the exit. The rink is located about a mile down on the left. 508-649-3440(rec)/649-3439 Wed 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Parents Skate Free 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Ladies/Mens Night - Top-40 Thurs 7:30 PM - 9:30? PM Organ/Artistic Session ??? Fri 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Parents Skate Free 7:00 MP - 11:00 PM Top-40 Sat 10:00 AM - noon Kid Skate 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Matinee - Parents Skate Free 7:00 PM - midnight Dance Music Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Matinee - Parents Skate Free 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Adult-18 - Top-40, 80's and Disco Snack Bar - Skate Shop In-line skates permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs [ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) - severly edited ] The best [adult session in the Boston area] is probably the Sunday night session at Roller Kindgdom. They allow in-lines that don't tear up the rink floor. There is also a Thursday night [artistic] session. [ aboulanger@ldgo.columbia.edu (Albert Boulanger) - edited ] Unfortunately, Roller Kingdom is about the best there is up there. Adult-oriented session on Thursday, true adult on Sunday. [ web gleanings ] Roller Kingdom could be the best indoor rink around Boston. It is in-line friendly and has a Smoooooth floor, with a DJ playing the latest tunes. They have Dance skates and Backwards skates. Parents skate free at family sessions. A Super Power Play admission package includes either in-line or speed rentals, food and game tokens. See http://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/dbibby/king.htm for more info. [ Roller Kingdom is apparently part of a multi-rink complex including ] [ an ice rink which is or was called "Skate Three" ] ==== Worcester, MA 01603-2035 Skylite Roller Skating Center 648 Park Ave 508-757-8640/791-0774 Tue-Fri 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Summer Session??? Sat 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Sun 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM *** probably more evening sessions [ web gleanings ] Skylite Roller Skating Center: If you like roller skating, this is the place for you! You can skate by yourself or even have a party with your friends. ======================================================================== Massachusetts (413) - Western and Central Chicopee, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Springfield ==== Agawam/Springfield, MA 01001 Rollaway Skate Center (aka The Rollaway) 1765 Main Street Agawam is located in southern Massachusetts, across the river and south of Springfield. From I-91, get off at the Rt 57 exit and head east on Rt 57, across the river to Rt 159. Get off at the Rt 159 - Main Street exit and head south on Main Street for about three miles. The rink should be on the left, just past Riverside Amusement Park. 413-786-4875 Sun 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Mostly Adults - Older Rock & Roll music Tues 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mostly Adults - Organ Music Wood Floor (smooth) - Small - No Air Conditioning In-line skates permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs [ Robert.Greene@mail.trincoll.edu (Robert Greene) ] This family owned rink is one of the last of it's kind. It was built in the early 80's to replace the '20's-style Riverside roller rink which was lost to fire. This rink is small - just barely large enough to have a racing program, so you're constantly turning a corner - good for ankle strength. Sunday is adult night with a consistant band of good-natured regulars. The music is good and "Jay-Bird" takes requests, although he favors 70's rock-and-roll. There's an active dance program and lessons are available. The Rollaway puts on a hilarious Christmas dance program which has to be seen to be appreciated. The floor is smooth and on a good night it feels like you're flying. In-lines are allowed, but not encouraged. It's mostly quad territory. Not air-conditioned. The skating time is structured into all skate, men-only, women-only, backwards and reverse-direction skating. ==== Chicopee/Springfield, MA 01020-3966 Skate Scene USA Roller Skating Center 1183 Memorial Drive Chicopee is located in central Massachusetts, just north of Springfield. From I-90 - The Massachusetts Turnpike, get off at exit 5 - Rt 33 / Memorial Drive, and head north on Memorial Drive for about a half mile. The rink should be on the right, between Brentwood Terrace and Pondview Drive, a block from a Cumberland Farms convenience store. It is set back from the road and not easy to see. 413-593-0433(tape)/593-0434 Mon ?:?? PM - ??:?? PM Artistic Nite Thurs 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM Adult Night **** taped message is updated daily, call for detailed schedule **** Maple Floor - about 80'x175' - Very Good Condition - Air Conditioned RSA Member Rink USAC/RS JO, Speed and Hockey Clubs [ Robert.Greene@mail.trincoll.edu (Robert Greene) ] I've just started going to this rink in Chicopee, MA and I can't remember it's name. The rink is large and the floor is beautiful. Thursday is adult night and there seems to be a regular following. The average age is about 25 and there's a lot of good skaters. The music is late-80's to current and is played through a nice sound system. The skating time is totally unstructured. I plan to drive the 90-minutes it takes me to get there just for the floor. There is a dance program scheduled on their flyer, but I have not been to it. [ FEstep@aol.com (Frank Estep Estep) ] This is a very nice rink, with a large following of artistic skaters. The floor is wood, about 80 X 175 feet and in fairly good condition. There is also a small practice area. Monday evening is the primary artistic skating session. They have live organ music with a good PA system. The program includes five dance sets starting with basic bronze and progressing to one set of all gold medal dances. I have seen as many as 15 or 20 couples doing gold medal dances. The crowd is very friendly and welcomes newcomers. There are several people from the Albany/Schenctady area who make the 180 mile round trip to Chicopee every Monday evening. The 1997 Northeast Regionals are scheduled to be held there. ==== Hadley/Amherst, MA 01035 Interskate 91 North (and On Ramp Skate Shop) South Maple Street and Russell Streets - Hampshire Mall Hadley is located in central Massachusetts, between Northhampton and Amherst, about 15 miles north of Springfield. From I-91, get off at the US 5 exit and head north on US 5 to Rt 66, then turn right to head northeast on Rt 66 across the river where it changes to Rt 9 and then about 1-1/2 miles further to Maple Street. Turn right to head south on Maple Street for about a half mile and look for the Hampshire Mall. The rink is *in* the Mall building. 413-586-8344 Mon 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Adult-18 70's/80's/Current Top-40 RSA Member Rink [ anon ] Another interesting rink is in a mall in Hadley Mass. The pro shop is on the bottom floor and the rink itself is up the stairs on the second level. They didn't have the option of going with a traditional floor because of the location so they went with an "L" shaped floor. Not good for a speed meet or a hockey game, but pretty interesting. The name is Interskate 91 and the rink has a kind of highway theme, with speed limit signs and one way signs posted all over the place. [ There are two Interskate 91 rinks under the same ownership - ] [ I'm not sure if both have the this highway motif... ] [ robert.greene@mail.cc.trincoll.edu (Bob Greene) ] This summer, I skated in a very different rink located in the East Brook Mall in Amherst, MA [sic]. It's located on the 2nd floor of the mall and is a modified and elongated figure-8 shape, with the middle of the figure-8 a short two-way straight-away with windows overlooking the mall. The skaters encounter sharp left-and-right turns as they navigate the floor, and the top of the figure-8 has 3 close-set pillars that skaters can either skate around or through, with the "fun" of hitting other skaters. Being a weekend night, there were a lot of speed-heads. The lower right-hand part of the figure-8 turn was thrilling, as if you missed it, you ran into a blank wall while if you carried too much speed, you would veer into the oncoming traffic. It was mostly quads with a few bladers thrown in. The tightness of the turns would seem to preclude 5-wheel blades from having their usual "more-push" advantage. [ grr ] As of 1/97, this rink is for sale, though presumably still operating. ==== Springfield, MA 01105 Rialto Roller Skating Rink 82 Walnut Street 413-732-0259 ==== Wilbraham/Springfield, MA 01095-1103 Interskate 91 South 2041 Boston Road Wilbraham is located in central Massachusetts, just northeast of Springfield. From I-90, get off at exit 7 - Rt 21, and head south, across the river, then turn left to head east Rt 20 - the Boston Post Road. The rink is probably a mile or two east, past Stoney Hill Road. 413-543-3991(info)/543-4664 Wed 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Adult Night Games - Snack Bar IAPAA Member RSA Member Rink USAC/RS JO and Speed Clubs [ anon ] The rink in Wilbraham is also kind of unique. The name is Interskate 91 and the rink has a kind of highway theme, with speed limit signs and one way signs posted all over the place. [ There are two Interskate 91 rinks under the same ownership - ] [ I'm not sure if both have the this highway motif... ] ==== Williamstown, MA 01267-9600 Roller Magic Route 2 - Colonial Shopping Center 413- Closed [ G Wilson ] The rink in Williamstown Ma has closed...it is now a CVS - the worst of all possible fates..... ======================================================================== ======================================================================== New Hampshire (603) - All Areas These five rinks seem to the whole story for New Hampshire. ==== Alton Bay/Lake Winnipesaukee, NH 03809 Alton Bay Pavilion Alton Bay Alton Bay is located in northern New Hampshire, at the extreme southern end of Lake Winnipeaaukee. From I-93, get off at exit 20 - US 3/Rt 11 - Laconia and head east on US 3 for about 10 miles, through Laconia, then bear right to follow Rt 11 for about 15 miles around the southeastern end of the lake to Alton Bay. Small - Seasonal Lake Winnipesaukee is a New England summer resort area dating back to the 19th century when trains and lake steamers shuttled the vistors around. The Alton Bay Pavilion is an amusement pier located at Alton Bay on the southern end of Lake Winnipeasauke. The pavilion and skating rink is a seasonal operation, open only during the summer recreation season on the lake. The skating floor is supposed to be quite small, perhaps 100' x 100'. ==== Enfield, NH 03748 Great View Roller Skating Rt 4 Enfield is located in western New Hampshire, across from White River Junction, Vermont. From I-89, get off at exit 17 - Rt 4 and turn right off the ramp to head towards Enfield on Rt 4. The rink is about 3-1/2 miles from the interchange, before you get to Enfield. 603-632-7878/632-7609 Wed 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Ladies Night, Disco (2nd and 4th only) Thurs 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Quiet Program, soft rock (1st and 3rd only) Fri 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Teen Skate 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Teen Sock Hop, NOT SKATING! Sat 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Family Skate 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Sinners Night ("uncensored" top-40) Sun 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Family Skate (** also periodic Christian skating sessions **) The tape message refers to some sessions as being for "older" skaters, but it's not obvious if that means "no children" or a real adult session. ==== Merrimack, NH 03054 Good Times Roller Skating Center Daniel Webster Highway North - Rt 3 Merrimack is located in southern New Hampshire, about 20 miles north of Lowell, Massachusetts. From I-283, get off at the Bedford Road exit, head east on Bedford Road to the Rt 3 - The Daniel Webster Highway, then turn left at the traffic light to head north on Rt 3. Good Times is about 3 miles from the lights on the left side. 603-429-0435 Tues 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Artistic Session Thurs 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sat 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Christian Music 8:00 PM - 11:30 PM Sun 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic Session Concrete/Plastic Floor - about 185'x85' RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs ==== Newington/Portsmouth, NH 03801 Happy Wheels 29 Fox Point Road Newington is located in southeastern New Hampshire, about 3 miles northwest of Portsmouth. From I-95, get off at the US 4 exit and head northwest on US 4 for a bit over 3 miles, then turn left onto Nimble Hill Road. You may actually have to make a U-turn just before the bridge, cut back and turn right onto Nimble Hill. In any case, continue on Nimble hill for about a half mile then turn left onto Fox Point Road. The rink should be a little ways down the road on the right side. 603-431-2267 Thurs 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult-18 Session (may be dancing after) Fri 8:00 PM - midnight All Ages Sat 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM All Ages 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM All Ages 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM All Ages Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM All Ages USAC/RS JO Club [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] They have a full session schedule. ==== Salem, NH 03079-2827 Granite Skate 51 Pelham Road Salem is located in southeastern New Hampshire, along the border opposite Methuen, Massachusetts. From I-93, get off at the Rt 97 exit and head south on Rt 97 - Pelham Road, away from Salem. The rink is about a half-mile west of the interchange, in an industrial park on the left side of the road. 603-898-3430 Concrete/Plastic Floor - about 100'x50' RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] They have a full session schedule, and do a great birthday and private party (so I'm told.) [grr] According to the manager, they don't have any artistic or adult-only nights, but there is a Thursday morning session where they'll match the music to whoever shows up... ======================================================================== ======================================================================== ************************************************************************* * Neighborhood/Rink Safety Notes * ************************************************************************* * * * Specific skating rinks in this section are tagged as *NOT* being * * located in in good neighborhoods or suffering from other potential * * personal safety problems. * * * * If you choose to visit them, please take appropriate precautions * * for your own safety and peace of mind. See the safety section in * * the overview posting for some specific cautions and suggestions. * * * ************************************************************************* New York (212) - Manhattan Island Manhattan, Harlem The New York City Parks & Recreation operates roller hockey rinks throughout the city. The city has a long history of municipal roller hockey leagues dating back to the 40's. Most of these are more along the line of improved playgrounds or outdoor skating surfaces than "roller rinks". The Bronx - 718-430-1858 Bufano Playground - Waterbury & LaSalle Avenues Loreto Park - Morris Park Avenue & Tomlinson Avenue Brooklyn - 718-965-8941 Betty Rappaport Rink - 53rd Street & Fort Hamilton Pkway McDonald Rink - McDonald & Avenue S Manhattan - 212-408-0243 Stanley Isaacs Rink - 1st Avenue & 96th Street Tahaney Rink - Cherry & Water Sts Hell's Kitchen Rink - 10th Ave & 47th Street Carl Schurz Rink - 84th Street & East End Avenue Dyckman Rink - Dyckman Street West & West Side Highway Queens - 718-520-5936 Bayswater Rink - Beach at 32nd Street Broad Channel - Cross Bay Boulevard & East 20th Road Joseph T. Mafera - 65th Place & 68th Avenue Staten Island - 718-390-8020 South Beach 10 Rink - Father Capadano Boulevard & Boardwalk ==== Manhattan/New York City, NY 10011-2822 The Roxy 515 West 18th Street at Tenth Avenue The Roxy is located in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, roughly mid-town on the west side. From I-95, the best approach is via the Lincoln Tunnel, take the Downtown exit, which should dump you on 34th Street, head west to Tenth avenue and take Tenth Avenue down to 18th street, turn right and the Roxy will be on the right near the corner. It's actually just a Marquee on what otherwise looks like a warehouse. See the text for parking options and alternative transportation recommendations. 212-627-0404(events)/212-645-5156(office) **** See the neighborhood/rink saftey note in the overview posting Tues 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM Beginner Lessons (Lezley School) 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM Gay Nite (Club/Industrial Music) Wed 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM Beginner Lessons (Lezley School) 8:00 PM - 2:00 AM Open Public (Club/Roller Music) *** shutdown around Christmas/New Years and other pre-emptions, always call! Wood Floor - Small - Heart Shaped - Good Condition Snack Bar - Bar - Air Conditioned No off-street parking The Roxy was orginally opened around 1979 as a roller-disco offshoot of the mega-popular Studio 54 night club, at a time when other several major NYC clubs were introducing roller-disco evening sessions. The rink was converted from a second-floor parking garage. The Roxy was extremely popular, especially among the younger disco set, but by 1985 it had changed owners several times and was operating as a non-skating dance club under another name. Around 1990, it reopened as The Roxy, with both skating and dance evenings, though the skating floor had been partly obstructed by club seating. Recently, there was a major refurb during the winter of 1995-1996, with a new Grand Opening in April. The exact role of the Roxy is a bit difficult to relate, since it's not the home of roller-disco, is not a large rink and often too crowded for pleasant skating, but it is a very popular NYC skating venue and perhaps the closest approximation to the classic roller-disco rink, and a roller skating cultural mecca worth at least an occasional pilgrimage for the disco/dance oriented skater. The usual weekly schedule is a public skating session on Wednesday nights and a "Gay Night" session on Tuesday nights. Other evenings are disco dancing, concerts or private parties. Occassionally, one of the regular skating nights is pre-empted or rescheduled by a special event or private party, so please call to check before making a long trip. Special skate days such as the Halloween are also worth special consideration. [ aboulanger@ldgo.columbia.edu (Albert Boulanger) - edited ] The mental model that you should have when going to the Roxy is going to a dance club -- only one is wearing their skates. The floor size is a large dance floor but not as large as most rinks -- rather like the size of the old Spinoff in Boston. There is a definite dance club atmosphere conducted by both the physical plant and the people. They have a bar. One word of warning is to only have *soft* drinks while skating -- alcohol and skating really mix badly. Most skaters seem to know this already. It is not a place to speed skate. It is not a place to do Olympic style jumps as it is usually crowded. If you try these you will be a risk and folks will tell you. It is a place to roller *dance*. The dress code is relaxed as people are going to be sweating a lot once they get going to the slamming music. There is a large fraction of Joe Average skaters there. Actually, the diversity of abilities/styles and skates is quite a feature of the place. The people are friendly. My friend who went with me last time met about five women during the session. It is not however a "meat factory" that some dance clubs become. The music is really good for roller dance. I have had to call it quits before the end of the session every time I have been there because the music draws every bit of energy out of me. The way they do music is to have about 3/4 hour of really slamming music then to slow down for 10-15 minutes. Couples get a chance to skate during the slow times although everybody can skate during these. They seem to start the slamming early on in the session -- it has been slamming by the time I can get there at 8:30. They also do a women and men exclusive skate. The DJ's there know what good skating music is like and they will dip into some disco era stuff as well as club remixes of current stuff. The Roxy is located on 18th St at Tenth Avenue in the Chelsea district of Manhattan. This is by the docks on the west side, a fairly short cab ride from Penn Station. [ Plenty of taxi's were waiting after midnight. ] There are bouncers at the door but they are for your own good. There is a good set of security people in the club as well. I have been parking on 23rd st. It is 2 way and the lot is between 10th and 11th Ave, there is another on 10th just beyond 23rd between 24th and 23rd. [ grr@tharsis.com ] After procrastinating for a year or so, I finally made it up to the Roxy and had a great time. The sound system is excellent - loud, but extremely clean, and the DJ was several classes above any I've encountered at a skating rink. The music seemed to be mostly current club hits, deep disco mixes with either some overdubbing or extra bass boost. Only a little "Rap" music, with an assortment of "soul" oriented stuff durning the slow skates. The floor is not very large, apparently it used to be bigger, but dance club seating/lounge areas have been extended over part of the floor. Its shape is irregular, with a tendency for folks skating in place or doing spins to gather at one end or in the center. The floor tends to be quite crowded, but this is partly mitigated by the large percentage of good skaters. It's mostly cooperative, you probably won't get knocked down, but will get/give occasional helping hand/fending off pushes or tap wheels with another skater. Skaters used to larger rinks usually feel awkward and tense with skating this close, stick with it and you'll settle into a groove. While there were one or two obvious beginners and some average skaters present, it's probably one of those things that the better you skate, the more fun you will have, as a certain degree of assurance is needed to deal comfortably with the crowded floor. This probably isn't in a bad section of town for NYC, but the Roxy is only a couple of blocks from some housing projects and you may encounter some street prostitutes or homeless people just a few blocks from the rink. I'd recommend walking in a group or taking a cab after dark. The rink is only a short cab ride from Penn Station so parking over in New Jersey and taking a commuter train might be an alternative. Be warned however, that the station locks up at 2:00 AM and post mid-night schedules are fairly limited. The Roxy itself is in the loft of some kind of commerical warehouse. A non-descript entrance with a Roxy marquee at street level leads into a long stairway/ramp up to the loft level. Admission is $12. There is a skate rental/coat check immediately past the cashier, but many people with only skate bags just stashed them by the rink seating. There are bars with (expensive) refreshments and large clean(!) restrooms. Dress was casual to fancy - no skating skirts, ladies in anything from disco style dresses to dance tights, men whatever. If there is a dress-code, it probably amounts to "nothing that offends the management". There were some strange (to this suburban eye) characters present, but the emphasis really seemed to be on skating, not hitting on members of either sex. [grr] Since the above, there have been some changes at the Roxy. The sound system has been upgraded from more than adequate to massive overkill. Supposedly there was a $400,000 "RLA Sound" system installed in 1993, but I'm not sure if this was the old or newer/upgrade system. The Roxy has tried some sessions on other days, but these seem to be fill in's for slow Dance Club periods or alternates for times when one of the usual skating days is coopted by something else. As mentioned, the club was rennovated in early 1996, though I don't know exactly what's changed. The club also closed for 3-4 weeks over the year-end holiday period this year, so this may equate to an annual shut-down/rennovation interval. There's also a new skating outlet, at least for the warmer months, at the Chelsea Piers complex, only a few blocks away. ==== Manhattan/New York City, NY 10021 Wollman Rink (Central Park) East Drive at Southern End of Central Park The Wollman Rink is located in the southern end of Central Park, in uptown Manhattan around 60th Street. The most direct approach to the rink is from the entrance opposite Sixth Avenue aka the Avenue of the Americas, this is the loop where the horse-drawn carriages hang out waiting for passengers from the Central Park South area. Continue inward past the Pond and there will be a ramp leading down towards the rink entrance. Another option is take the 65th Street Transverse Road from the Zoo entrance to the information center, then turn left to get down to the rink. This route a little better populated, but the rink isn't directly visible from the road. 212-396-1010 **** See the neighborhood/rink saftey note in the overview posting Mon 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Public Skating Tues 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Public Skating Wed 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Public Skating Thurs 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Public Skating Fri 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Public Skating Sat 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Public Skating Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Public Skating *** regular schedule mat be pre-empted by special events Outdoor - uncoated concrete - Seasonal In-lines Permitted - In-line Rentals The Wollman rink is a seasonal outdoor rink in Central Park. During the Winter it operates as an ice rink, and in the summer it serves as a roller/in-line rink and a site for various activities. The surface is fairly smooth concrete - smooth enough to make skating on hard indoor wheels tolerable, but with some rough/chipped/wavey spots that remind you that you're skating on concrete. The rink surface is partly obstructed by a miniature golf course with the remaining area is shaped a bit like a slice of pie, with rounded corners. It's large enough that this doesn't seem too wierd. The rink is open for fairly extended hours and also serves as a skate rental site for general in-line skating in the park area during similar hours. Previously they rented both quads and in-lines, but it may now be in-line only. There are also in-line lessons and group in-line tours of the park orginating from the rental shop. Rink admission is only $3-$4, but in-line rentals are $6 more, plus a $100 deposit. Since the normal skating schedule may be pre-empted by special skating or other sports event in the rink area, I'd advise calling ahead to make sure that there isn't some conflicting activity scheduled. Note that in addition to the Wollman rink, there is a lot of seasonal *free* outdoor skating in Central Park. The recreational trails and loop roads are asphalt paved and require outdoor wheels. The Bandshell are also has smooth concrete and is popular with beginners and folks practicing figure skating moves. The area known as "Dead Road" or "Skater's Way" between the Bandshell and the Sheep Meadow is popular with dance/disco skaters. In the afternoon there is often music in this area and the scene may be more adult than in the Wollman rink. Skating outside the Wollman Rink is free, but you must compete on the paths with pedestrians, in-line skaters and bicyclists, and the flats with pick-up hockey, in-line basketball, roller frisbee and loungers. [grr] According to the previous manager, the folks who held the concession for the Wollman Rink for 8+ years lost bid this year, so the rink will be operating under new management for 1996. The MMSC has also disowned the Wollman venue due to loyalties to previous management. There were conflicting stories about roller skating at the Wollmann rink in the Summer '96 season. The orginal tale was that there would be no skating and that the rink area would be used by some kind of outdoor terrace restaurant. In fact, there is roller skating, and even more room that before, because instead of part of the rink surface being used for a miniature golf course, there's only a small aggressive skating park with ramps and such. I called to get the current schedule in June, 1996. It confirms that there is plently of skating time, though the orientation seems to be more "in-line" than before. There were rumors of adult dance/skating evenings with a live DJ, but nothing mentioned on the taped message. ==== Manhattan/New York City, NY 10011 Chelsea Piers Roller Rinks Pier 62 - West Side Highway at 23rd Chelsea Piers is located in the Chelsea section of Manhattan, along the Hudson roughly mid-town. From I-95, the best approach is via the Lincoln Tunnel, take the Downtown/Westside exit, which should dump you on 34th Street, then head west to 11th Avenue and take 11th Avenue down to 23rd Street where it merges with the West Side Highway. Pier 62 is on the right at this point. There is supposedly on-site parking ($$$), lots in the area and on-street parking. Alternatives are to take the M23 bus from Mid-town, this runs cross-town along 23rd Street and terminates right by the complex entrance, or to take a taxi. 212-336-6200 Mon 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Tues 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM Wed 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Thurs 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM Fri 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM Sat 11:30 AM - 7:30 PM Supposed to be a real DJ 11:30 PM - 3:00 AM Adult-21+ (MMSC Late Skate) Sun 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM Smooth Concrete - Large Seasonal - Sheltered? Quads Permitted - In-line rentals available Operation is seasonal, limited programs and hours during winter - call! [grr] The Cheslea pier complex was developed as a replacement for the Sky Rink, an ice skating rink located on the upper floors of a Manhattan building. The complex includes an ice skating rink, a large concrete outdoor roller skating rink which can be divided into two smaller "hockey rinks" and a variety of other fitness facilities. The complex is still under development and apparently there are plans to put at least a shelter roof over the outdoor roller skating rink by the fall/winter of 1996. [ rbs@panix.com (Robert B. Schmunk - http://www.panix.com/~rbs/Skate/NYC) ] It's now open, with two open-air roller rinks being used for roller hockey, lessons, and open skating. Both inline and traditional roller skates are welcome. One potential problem with Chelsea Piers is that its somewhat out of the way location means that a) there is no subway station that is really close, and b) it can be a bit difficult getting a cab when you want to leave, at least at obscure or slow hours. I expect, though, that the latter situation will improve as other parts of the complex are developed. [ gerber@panix.com (Alan Gerber) ] There's open skating time during most of the day, and night-time has a lot of hockey scheduled. There's also a pretty comprehensive instructional program. There are also DJ parties there on Friday and Saturday nights. The rinks themselves are pretty nice -- skating to music, with a nice view of the river, is a lot of fun. It's quite a change from skating the loop in Central Park. It's much smoother, and there are no dogs, bikes, and so on to get in the way. [ crutchf@ibm.net (Preston) - heavily edited ] The Chelsea Piers complex is on the West Side of the West Side Highway, and the only public transportation that takes you directly to the front doors is the M23 bus. The stop is right outside of the parking lot. The staff told me that the closest trains are the 1/9,A,C,and E, but my advice is to still take the M23 bus. It runs every 10 minutes or so and it takes longer to walk from the Subway. The floor is concrete, like Wollman Rink, and parts of it are not very smooth. Also, watch out for the painted Nike Swooshes in the floor - you might slip on the change in floor texture. If you fall on concrete, you could hurt yourself badly, so I recommend that everyone, especially novices, wear wrist guards and knee pads. Parents - if you bring your child, he or she must have a helmet. Also, for you quad skaters, if you have hard indoor wheels, you might want to change them for 85A wheels. Over the weekend, there were mostly parents with small children, maybe 150-200 skaters and I was one of only four skaters on quads. I hope more of quad skaters will come out. If you are an experienced skater looking for a (relatively) safe place to practice, I think you could do a lot worse. You must be on constant watch for the little skaters, but then that's the case at any mixed session. Novice skaters will find that there is plenty of room to practice falling, but only when necessary. I found the sound system itself to be more than adequate enough to push bass lines through me. The problem arose in the music selection itself. The "DJ" played selections from CDs that management, he said, picked out. Any chance of getting your heart rate above resting through the music is extremely remote. I asked about the possibility of bringing a mixed tape for uninterrupted music but was met with, "That's not possible right now." Beginning Saturday night, April 13, there will be a DJ, hopefully with turntables, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Quad Skaters, please, come out for this! Admission will be $8.00. [ also see the MMSC entry for a description of their Saturday late night adult skate ] One of the biggest selling points is the price. For only $4.00, you can skate Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and weekends from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This weekend there were two smaller rinks in operation, though was supposed to be one large rink. You may want to call ahead to make sure the single, large rink is in effect. Otherwise, the rink size is not long enough to get any good momentum going before you have to go into a turn. I found the rink overall to be quite pleasant and everyone I met had a very positive attitude. Bring your sunglasses as the sun reflects strongly from the water and the glass of the complex. You might also want to wear something warm, preferably with long sleeves. On a warm sunny day, you may get hot while you're moving. But when you stop, the cool breezes from the Hudson will definitely make you think, "Brrr!!!" Lockers are available or you can bring your own lock. Traditional skates (quads) are NOT available for rental. Vending machines, pay phones, and taxis are also available. ==== Manhattan/New York City, NY 10163-0979 Metropolitan-Manhattan Skate Club PO Box 979 Grand Central Station 212-687-1775(phone)/212-697-2363(fax) Sat 11:30 PM - 3:00 AM Adult-21+ (at the Chelsea Piers) Seasonal Outdoor The Metropolitan-Manhattan Skate Club isn't a skating rink per se, but rather a club that organizes skating events at various NYC area venues. Their primary events are a series of Saturday night summer skates, now at the Chelsea Piers rink, and several special skaters-reunion events. These events are open to the general public and while the club focuses on quad skating, in-lines are welcome. Previous day/evening events have been all-ages, late night events are adult-21+. The current summer event schedule is a weekly Saturday Adult-21+ late skate from 11:30 PM to 3:00 AM at the Chelsea Piers outdoor rink, after the normal public session. There is also a special July 4th session planned. They advise calling the Chelsea piers (212-336-6200) for a local weather report, since NYC weather may differ substantially from wherever you're coming from. You can also get a local NYC area weather report over the web at: http://cirrus.sprl.umich.edu/wxnet/fcst/newyork.txt To get on the MMSC's mailing list, send a fax to 212-697-2363 or snail mail to the address below. They like to have your name, address, phone and fax numbers, your home rink, and how many times a week you skate for their files, also whether it's a new membership or update. MMSC PO Box 979 Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163-0979 USA [ lgell@nywork2.undp.org (Larry T. Gell) - edited from posting ] These sessions are for adults over 21, and the public is invited. The Metropolitan-Manhattan Skate Club is the oldest and largest adult skate club of its kind, with over 6500 members. It is composed of skating adult who skate on quads (not to be confused with in-lines) to the sounds of a live DJ who plays a mixed format of disco, soul, R&B classic hits and also the contemporary and top 40. Many of our skaters and members skate on both quads and blades. All who roll are cordially welcomed to join us or join the club (it is free). This club also does promotional skate programs throughout the year. A number of prominent celebrities are also part of the membership and support these events. During the winter and fall months, our programs go indoors. We aim to promote and preserve the unique, New York style (freestyle) of skating. Come and learn from the best (our members). This club has recently joined forces with the other facets of the New York/Metro Skate Community: roller-bladers, speed skaters, hockey skaters, artistic skaters, and disco skaters. Music is provided by live DJs - who are chosen for the creative mixes and large record libraries of the musical formats that NYC skaters love to hear. Most of the DJs who have played for the MMSC in the past, have gone on to promising careers. These sessions have become a springboard to new and equally talented DJs who could not get a break, because there are so few rink or club spots open,so many of them wait until summer - in the hopes of not only playing for the MMSC once, but regularly. [Sheila and Larry Gell are the club founders] ==== Manhattan/New York City, NY 10048 Recreation World Ice Chalet 4 World Trade Center Plaza The World Trade Center is located at the southern end of Manhattan, near the Wall Street commercial area. From I-95, the best approach is via the Holland Tunnel, after exiting, head south on Broadway or the West Side highway to the World Trade Center complex. 212-524-4386 Closed This opened as an outdoor seasonal ice rink in late December '95. The plan was that the rink would operate as a roller rink, with a plastic sport-court surface, during the summer months. Apparently, the first ice season didn't go all that well and due to a dispute between the operator and lessor, the summer conversion didn't happen and the rink is now padlocked. ==== Manhatten/New York City, NY 10031 Riverbank State Park Riverside Drive at 145th Street Outdoor/Sheltered Seasonal [ rbs@panix.com - http://www.skatecity.com/NYC/Where/rinks.html ] There is a rink in this public park, just northeast of the football and soccer field. It doubles as an ice and roller rink, with roller hockey and open roller skating available during the summer. The latter sessions can be crowded with many folks from the neighborhoods across Riverside. The atmosphere is very much that of a neighborhood rink, with the usual collection of skate rats zipping around at knee level, and early forays into courtship rituals by teen-agers. Although the rink is partially open to the elements (there is a roof and a clear, plastic hockey barrier about six feet high), sound doesn't seem to disperse much and it can get pretty noisy. ==== Manhattan/New York City, NY 10016-4914 Rivergate Ice Rink 401 East 34th Street at First Avenue The Rivergate Ice Rink is located on the East Side at roughtly mid-town Manhattan. From I-95, take the Lincoln Tunnel, take the Downtown exit and head east on 34th Street towards the Queens - Midtown Tunnel. After Second Avenue, don't take the Tunnel, but continue on 34th street. The rink should be on the xxxx in the next block. 212-689-0035 **** See the neighborhood/rink saftey note in the overview posting Seasonal [ rbs@panix.com - http://www.panix.com/~rbs/Skate/NYC ] This is a small rink which is flooded during winter and operates as a commercial ice skating rink. During the summer it is apparently open for free roller skating, or at least it was in the fall of 1994. ==== Manhattan/New York City, NY 10003-6609 Lezly Skate School ? 212-777-3232 Originally, the Lezly School was a performing arts school which included various type of dance and skating amoung their classes, and also had a hall for classes, shows or fund rasing events. Subsequently, they lost their space and have become harder to pin down. There may also have been some association with Tai Chi Dance & Skate Rehersal Studio on 23rd Street, but that venue seems to be history also. Currently they offer skate dancing lessons indoors at the Broadway Dance Center at 1733 Broadway (between 55th & 56th Street) and also beginner lessons at the Roxy before the regular evening public skating sessions. They also offer outdoor lessons in Central Park. Private lessons and classes are also available by appointment, and their handout mentions that they've taught performers for movies and shows, in addition to over 10,000 skaters since 1979. For more information and lesson schedules, call the number above. ==== Manhattan/New York, NY 10019-5202 Metropolis Roller Skate Club 241 West 55th Street 212- Closed The Metropolis Club was a skating rink operated as a membership club dating back to the roller disco era. From what I understand, it's no longer operating as such, although there's still a directory listing. Further information appreciated... ======================================================================== ======================================================================== ************************************************************************* * Neighborhood/Rink Safety Notes * ************************************************************************* * * * Specific skating rinks in this section are tagged as *NOT* being * * located in in good neighborhoods or suffering from other potential * * personal safety problems. * * * * If you choose to visit them, please take appropriate precautions * * for your own safety and peace of mind. See the safety section in * * the overview posting for some specific cautions and suggestions. * * * ************************************************************************* New York (718) - the Boroughs the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island ==== Brooklyn/New York City, NY 11225-3401 Empire Roller Disco 200 Empire Boulevard - Brooklyn The Empire is located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, near Prospect Park. From I-95, take I-278 across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, get off at the Fort Hamilton Parkway exit and follow this eastward for about 5 miles to Flatbush Avenue, turn left on Flatbush head north for about 10 blocks to Empire Avenue. Turn right onto Empire and the rink should be in the second block. The Parkway is direct, but a round-about route staying on I-278 to Rt 27, and taking Rt 27 to Flatbush Avenue may be quicker and safer. There is also reasonable access via the subway from Manhattan. 718-462-1570 **** See the neighborhood/rink saftey note in the overview posting Tues 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Adult 23+ w/ID - DJ Big Bob Thurs 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Adult 23+ w/ID - DJ Big Bob Fri 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Teen 16+ w/ID - DJ Big Bob Sat 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Family - DJ Bubba 9:30 PM - 3:30 AM Adult 23+ w/ID - DJ Big Bob Sun 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM Family - DJ Bubba [ rbs@panix.com (Robert B. Schmunk - http://www.panix.com/~rbs/Skate/NYC) ] The best nights are supposed to be Tuesday (8:00 to 1:00) and Saturday (10:00 to 3:30). Music is varied but tends toward R&B, rap, jazz, reggae and club. [grr] The Empire is somewhat famous as the origin of the Roller Disco craze of the 70's and early 80's and is still a hot spot for disco and urban skating. However, according to locals, the rink is somewhat rundown from it's heyday, is not and never was located in a good neighborhood. [ update ] The Empire closed briefly in Spring 2000 for rennovations, from what I here things are better and it's still one of the hottest skating spots in the NYC area. ==== The Bronx/New York City, NY 10451 Key Skating Center (was Skate Key) 220 East 138th Street - Entrance on Canal Place The Key Skating Center is located in the New York City borough of The Bronx. From I-87 - The Major Degan Expressway, get off at the 138th Street exit and head west on 138th Street for several blocks to Canal Place. The rink should be on the corner of 138th and Canal Place, with the entrance on Canal Place. Check their recorded message For detailed directions including public transit. 718-401-0700(tape)/401-1387 **** See the neighborhood/rink saftey note in the overview posting Wed 8:00 PM - midnite All Ages - Ladies Discount Night Thurs 8:00 PM - midnite Adult-21+ - "Best of the Classics" DJ Mario Fri 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM All Ages - Discount Session 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM All Ages - Freestyle/House/Latin Sat 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM All Ages 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM All Ages 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM All Ages - "Teen Beat w/DJ LA Love" 11:00 PM - 3:00 AM Adult-18+ - DJ LA Love or Arson Sun 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM All Ages 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM All Ages 8:00 PM - 1:00 AM Adult-21+ - "The Best in R&B" DJ Big Bob *** some additional kids sessions and hours or DJ's may vary... "ID Required" for Adult Sessions RSA Member Rink The Skate Key was a long-time NYC area fixture and one of few remaining metropolitan New York rinks. In January 1996, they lost their lease on the old location but later reopened at a new location in the warehouse district. [ trish@imergy.com (Patricia M. Di Pasquale) ] Thursday is still the adult (and best) night. The rink is much bigger and nicer; they put a lot of money into it. However, some minor details are still being worked out, such as the lighting - too bright or too dark, and improving the sound system - the music bounces around in the ceiling. It's easy to get to and worth the trip... [ Jioj309@aol.com (Joi Loftin) - edited ] I had a chance to go to the Skate Key -- THAT RINK GOT IT GOING ON!!! The decor is very nice, with a very nice wooden floor, a large wooden practice floor and a smaller wooden practice floor. Parking is not too good, they start towing at midnight. [ DCH57@aol.com (Paula Hayes) - edited ] The Skate Key was the only rink that I could access by subway or bus that said they had dance practice, so I decided that I should at least give them a try. I got a friend to come with me for safety reasons and we took the subway to the the rink. The subway was a little scary, but from the station, it was only a block to the rink and you can see the building as soon as you emerge from the station. It was a real desolate area - I only saw one other person on the street. When I got there, I found out that the type of dance they did was not at all like traditional roller dance - It was like street dancing, but on skates. They do exibitions and were getting ready for one in Baltimore. They were fun to watch. The coach let me skate anyway, but I really couldn't practice much as I felt I should give their skaters the right of way, and their type dance was all over the place. The rink did have a fairly good sized wood floor, but they didn't coat the surface and I found it slick to skate on with the wheels I use. There was also had a small practice floor for beginners, which I used for a while when I first got there. I found it wasn't as slick, but it was much too small for dance patterns. ==== Staten Island, NY 10306-4808 Sports Fest Family Fun Center (was Bowling on the Green) 55 Mill Road 718-980-1500/351-2160(fax) Mon 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Tues 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Wed 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Thurs 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Fri 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sat noon - midnight Sun noon - 10:00 PM *** summer hours may vary This center claims to have an indoor "in-line skating rink" in addition to a 42 lane bowling alley, golf range, basketball, batting cages, a climbing wall and volley ball. The skating rink appears to be plastic over concrete, under an inflatable or tent roof in the indoor tennis court style. There are basketball hoops around the edges. It's not clear what hours are available for recreational skating, probably more limited than at other fun centers if the area is shared by hockey league play and basketball. On the other hand, there are no surviving conventional roller rinks on the island. See http://www.islandshopper.com/sportfst.html for more information ======================================================================== New York (516) - Long Island Bay Shore, Hempstead, Huntington, Mineola, Riverhead Phone numbers and addresses checked against a CD-ROM directory 1/96, This should be essentially all the roller rinks on Long Island. ==== Baldwin/Long Island, NY 11510 Baldwin Park Baldwin Harbor 516-546-4481(park) Outdoor Baldwin Park has basketball, handball, paddleball, tennis, volleyball, a spray pool, soccer, softball, baseball, playground, game tables, play equipment, sitting area, shuffleboard, bike path, and a roller rink. ==== Bay Shore/Long Island, NY 11706-6012 Bay Shore Roller Skating Center 1850 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore is near the middle of Long Island on the ocean side. From the NYC area, find your way to the Southern State Parkway and take this eastwards out to the Robert Moses Parkway, then south on the RMP to Rt 27 - the Sunrise South Maple Street at Highway. Head east on the Sunrise Highway, the rink is about two miles east on the south service road that parallels the main highway. 516-665-7500 Wed 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fri 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM Sat 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 2:00 PM - 4:45 PM 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM Sun 2:00 PM - 4:45 PM 7:30 PM - 10:45 PM Maple Floor - Large RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic, JO and Speed Clubs [ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ] I have not skated here, but I know that they have a fair sized Artistic club. I believe that John Dayney teaches at Bay Shore, and he is a big name in Roller Skating. His son and daughter-in-law [see the Winning Roller Skating book in the Skate Book FAQ] are past world champions and big name coaches in their own right, and his granddaughter - April Dayney, was the 1994 World Ladies Figure Champion, and took the Silver in 1995. She has also medalled in Freestyle at Worlds. [ grr ] According to the attendent, they don't don't have any adult-only public sessions, but there are more adults at the Sunday evening session than at the others. Bay Shore is also one of the few rinks surviving from the old AOW chain of east coast rinks, and the only one that still has an AOW sign. The AOW rinks were mostly large rinks with good floors, but the chain didn't survive the retirement of the owners and most of the rinks have since given way to development or disaster. [ Scott3956@aol.com ] 17,000+ Sq Ft. of Grade A Maple.... Has # Pros....Club....Speed.... Roller Hockey...Organ Music/Disco Sessions/Adult Night...etc.... Celebrating 36 years of Continuous Skating!!!!!! For more Info...Contact Peter or George at 1-516-665-7500.... ==== Bellmore/Long Island, NY 11710 Newbridge Arena Newbridge Road Bellmore is near Hempstead. 516-599-6900/783-6181 Seasonal Hockey Newbridge Arena is a state-of-the-art in-line hockey facility and is located inside a scenic town park. It features a newly resurfaced full-sized hockey rink and full pro shop. During the summer the facility is home to Roller Hockey America, an in-house league with over 60 youth and men's teams. From October until the end of March over 1,000 players compete in the ice league. ==== Centereach/Long Island, NY 11720 A-Maze-N-Skates Family Amusement Center 21 Hammond Road Centereach is inland, near the middle of Long Island east of Hauppauge. From the NYC area, find your way to I-495 and head eastwards to the Rt 97 - Nicholls Road exit. Head north on Rt 97 to Rt 25 - Middle County Road, then west for about a mile on Rt 25 to Hammond Road. Turn right onto Hammond, the rink should be on the right near the corner. 516-698-2200 Closed RSA Member Rink USAC/RS JO and Speed Clubs [ unclively@aol.com (Dave Ciminelli) - edited ] Amaze-n-Skates has been closed since May 1996. They just went out of business overnight. The rink is tied up between two banks neither of which want anything to do with it. ==== Commack/Long Island, NY 11725-3435 Commack Roller Rink 70 Vetrans Memorial Highway Comack is near the middle of Long Island, located inland. From the NYC area, find you way to I-495 and head eastwards to the Santikos State Parkway exit. Head north on the parkway, across the Northern State Parkway to the Rt 454 - Veterans Memorial Highway exit. Head west on Rt 454 toward Commack, the rink should be near the interchange. 516- Closed RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic Club [ Unclively@aol.com (Dave Ciminelli) ] It is with great sadness that I am writing to tell you to remove the Commack Roller Rink from your FAQ's. Due to a sale of the property and a minor flaw in the lease agreement we had, the new owners have forced us out of business as of April 1, 1996. [ Dave was the owner/operator of this rink ] [grr] In August 1996, the now vacant rink was completely destroyed by a file described in the paper as being of "suspicious origin", the location was apparently to be redeveloped as a shopping center in any case. ==== East Rockaway/Long Island, NY 11518 Bay Park Marjorie Lane 516-571-7250 Seasonal - Outdoor? Bay Park is a Nassau County park, overlooking East Rockaway Channel. It offers Ball fields, a Playground, a Roller/Ice Rink, Basketball and Tennis. ==== Hewlett/Long Island, NY 11557 Grant Park Broadway and Sheridan Avenue 516-571-7821/571-7820 Sat 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Sun 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seasonal - Outdoor Grant Park offers a seasonal outdoor Roller/Ice Rink, a Playground, Ball Fields, and a lake with Fishing and Pedal Boats. The rink has organized skating sessions weekend afternoons, Mid-April to mid-October, weather permitting, which are supposedly restricted to area residents and their guests. Whether the rink is open use other times or heavily booked for roller-hockey or alternate use otherwise isn't clear. ==== Inwood/Long Island, NY 11096 Inwood Park Bayview Avenue Inwood is located in southwestern Long Island, just across a small bay from JFK airport. 516-571-7694 Seasonal - Outdoor Inwood Park is 16 acres and includes facilities for Basketball, a boat launching ramp, athletic fields, roller/hockey rink, chess and checker tables, paddle tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bocci, saltwater fishing, baseball/softball, football/soccer, playground, and picnicking. ==== Lynbrook/Long Island, NY 11563-2714 Hot Skates 14 Merrick Road Lynbrook is in western Long Island, just west of Freeport. From Freeport, take Rt 27 - the Sunrise Highway west for about 4 miles and get off at the Ocean Avenue / Merrick Road exit. The rink should be on the left side of Merrick before Ocean Avenue. 516-593-1300/593-1424 Sun 9:00 PM - 12:00 PM Adult 18+ Skate RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs According to the taped message, this is the only adult session, the others are for kids, with strict upper and lower age limits for each session. Yes, Sunday night is the *only* time Adults are permitted to skate, except possibly as parents at some other session. ==== Massapequa/Seaford, NY 11758 United Skates of American Roller Rink 1276 Hicksville Road Massapequa Park is located in western Long Island, on the ocean side just west of Amityville. From the NYC area, find your way to the Southern State Parkway and take the parkway eastwards out to the Rt 107 Hicksville Road exit. Head south on Hicksville, the rink should be about a half-mile further, one the right just before Jerusalem Avenue. 516-795-5473/795-5474 Mon 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Adult-18+ Tues 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM "In-line lessons" 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Wed 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM "In-line lessons" 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Thurs 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM "In-line lessons" 9:15 PM - 11:30 PM Adult-18+ Fri 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Tiny-Tots 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM 8:30 PM - 11:00 PM Teen Night (10-17 YO) Sat 10:00 AM - noon 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Sun 10:00 AM - noon 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM *** may be more daytime sessions/lessons during the week, summertime Wood floor - Oval - Good Condition Snack Bar - Games - Air Conditioned - No Smoking In-line skates permitted and available for rent This rink has an extremely full schedule with sessions nearly every day of the week. Call for more information. [ rich@rich.comm.sunysb.edu (Rich Neill) - edited ] The rink has a wood floor which is generally in good shape, though there a few spots to watch out for. It's the basic oval shape, with two practice areas in center. I don't have the measurements, but it's approxmately the size of a supermarket. They do have skating supplies, but not exactly up to skate shop level. There are adult nights on Monday and Thursday. Monday is the better night, with most people age 20-50. They tend to play R&B, some HipHop, and club/house music on the adult nights. There's a nice crowd that makes the rounds to other area rinks, also some newbies and diehards. Thursday's are quiet and good for practice. The best point is that at least there is still a rink on the Island. The DJ is inconsistent, he brings you up and down. He'll play a few good songs to get you going, then will then play 5 slow ones in row, so it's hard to keep a flow for more then 15 minutes. Some nights better. Overall, a nice rink though. ==== Oceanside/Long Island, NY 11572 Oceanside Park 3800 Mahlon Brower Drive 516-763-0700(park) Outdoor Oceanside Park has basketball, handball, paddleball, tennis, volleyball, a roller rink, outdoor pools, diving, wading pools, softball, baseball, multipurpose fields, playground, game tables, play equipment. ==== Patchogue/Long Island, NY 11772 Sun Skates Sunrise Highway Adjacent to Attia Flea Market 516-244-9505 Wood Floor - Poles in Center [ anon ] They just opened in September 1996, but aren't really finished building it yet, however they are open for business. It has a wood floor, with poles in the middle. The owner is being "pennywise and pound foolish" about the rink. He has a lot of money, but prefers to spend it all his way. For example he put in a dropped ceiling and then took out the same drop ceiling and glued the ceiling tiles onto the walls and painted them numerous pastel colors. I understand the rink is not doing very well since opening, and haven't seen or heard any advertising concerning it. ==== Rockville Centre/Freeport/Long Island, NY 11570 Rockville Centre Rink Sunrise Highway Rockville Center is in western Long Island, just west of Freeport. From Freeport, take Rt 27 - the Sunrise Highway west for about 3 miles, across Long Beach Road. The rink is probably near the hockey field by the railroad tracks just before Morris Avenue 516-766-0300(town) Outdoor USAC/RS Hockey Club This is an outdoor skating rink or hockey facility operated by the Rockville Centre municipal government. ==== Seaford/Wantaugh/Long Island, NY 11793 Cedar Creek Park Merrick Road 516-571-7473 Seasonal - Outdoor Cedar Creek Park has an outdoor Roller Rink, a R/C plane aerodrome, Tennis Courts, Basketball courts and a Playground. There is also in-line skating activity and group rides and races organized starting from the rink area. Contact the LIRTSA at 516-858-2160 for in-line specific activities. [ gberns@pipeline.com (Gary B. Berns) - edited ] Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh has a nice smooth rink where learners, practicers and roller hockey players co-exist without friction. [ web gleanings ] Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh is a small park. It has a skating rink near the 2nd(?) parking lot on right. The rink is very smooth and is surrounded by railing which is good for beginners. ======================================================================== New York (914) - Southeastern Monroe, Mount Vernon, Poughkeepsie, White Plains ==== Ferndale, NY 12734 Skaters World Roller Rink Old Route 17 Ferndale is located at the southern end of the Catskill Mountain area in New York State. From I-84 take Rt 17 northwest through Monticello and towards Liberty. Get off Rt 17 at the Ferndale exit and head south on Rt 175 - Old Rt 17. The rink is probably fairly near the interchange. 914-292-3288 Games - Snack Bar RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic Club Also a seasonal miniature golf course associated with this rink. ==== Hyde Park/Poughkeepsie, NY 12538 Rollermagic Skating Center (aka Hyde Park...) 190 Albany Post Road Hyde Park is located in eastern New York State, in the Hudson River Valley about 5 miles north of Poughkeepsie. From I-87 - The NY State Thruway, get off at the Rt 299 - New Paltz exit and head east on Rt 229 to US 9W, south on 9W to US 44 and across the Mid-Hudson Bridge to Poughkeepsie. Finally, head north on US 9 back along the eastern shore of the Hudson, the rink should be about 4 miles north, near a Terwilliger road. 914-229-6666/229-2346 USAC/RS JO Club ==== Mamaroneck/Larchmont, NY 10538 Hommocks Park Ice Rink Hommocks Road Marmaroneck is Westchester County, along the Long Island Sound coast line, about 5 miles south of Rye. 914-834-1069 Outdoor 200'x85' According to a local business journal, the Mamaroneck town ice rink is leased during the warm months of 1995 and 1996 by a local roller hockey instructor who runs roller hockey clinics and teaches skating skills. ==== New Windsor - Vails Gate/Newburgh, NY 12553 Upskate New York Roller Rink 436 Blooming Grove Turnpike - Rt 94 Vails Gate is in Upstate New York, just south of Newburgh, between New York City and Poughkeepsie in the Hudson Valley. From the NYC area, take I-87 - The New York Thruway northwards and get off at the Newburgh - Rt 32/17K exit. Follow Rt 32 south for about 4 miles towards Vail's Gate, then at the five-way intersection turn left and the rink is about a mile further east towards New Windsor. 914-562-6565 Wed After School Session 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Thurs 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Fri 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Sat 12:00 noon - 3:00 PM 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Sun 12:00 noon - 3:00 PM 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM *** hours may vary seasonally, call... In-line Skates Permitted RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs According to a tourist information directory Upskate NY offers in-line skating lessons. It also claims the Friday and Saturday sessions run till 1:00, which may be in error or a seasonal thing. ==== Port Ewen/Kingston, NY 12466 Wood-N-Wheel Roller Rink (or Wooden Wheel...) Route 9W West Port Ewen is located in eastern New York state in the Hudson River Valley, just south of Kingston. From I-87 - The NY State Thruway, take I-587 east toward Kingston, then follow Rt 32 northeast to US 9W. Head south on US 9W, across the Wallall River bridge. The rink should be somewhere along Rt 9W, within a mile or two of the bridge, perhaps at the intersection with River Road at the south side of Port Ewen. 914-331-9680/338-0242 Thurs 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Live Organ Music Fri 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Sat 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM Sun 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM RSA Member Rink USAC/RS Artistic Club There is also a Laser Tag installation at this rink. ======================================================================== New York (518) - Eastern Albany, Greenwich, Lake Placie, Schenectady, Troy ==== Amsterdam, NY 12010 High Rollers Route 30 North 518-843-0783 RSA Member Rink ==== Cairo, NY 12413-9704 Cairo Purling Roller Rink Mountain Avenue 518-622-9117 ==== Clifton Park, NY 12065 Starburst Roller Skating 1220 Route 146 Clifton Park is north of Albany. Take I-87 North to exit 9, head west on Rt 146 for about two miles, the rink is on the left side. 518-371-1567 Wed ??:?? PM - ??:?? PM Country Line Dancing - Not Skating! Thurs 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Skaters Night - 70's-80's w/DJ Stevie B Fri 5:00 PM - 10