Happy Wheels Skate Center 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Logo/mascot for this rink. Source: Happy Wheels Skate Center.
Happy Wheels Skate Center 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Happy Wheels Skate Center. The logo/mascot was a skating wheel with smiling face on it. Hence the name, Happy Wheels. There were several variants of logo. Some were white wheels with red, others yellow wheels with red wheels. Why do I feel like I am seeing Thomas the Train smile on the wheels? He reminded me of the train. But I love the catchy name with the wheel mascot. Makes sense. No wonder they were successful for 40 plus years and it may come back. Source: Happy Wheels Skate Center.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Source: Google.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Main doors Source: Google.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Main doors Source: Happy Wheels of Portland.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Sorry that photograph was grainy. Taken in 2010. Source: Happy Wheels of Portland.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Source: Happy Wheels on Google Images and Facebook.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Love the Checkers style tiles! Love it. Source: Happy Wheels on Google Images and Facebook.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Taken in 2010. That was the way photographs used to be. All grainy. Still, beautiful floor and mural. This is very common appearance for Happy Wheels at most of the Happy Wheels locations. Same logo, same design, layout, etc. Source: Happy Wheels of Portland.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Beautiful floor redone! Love how it was shining. Looks wet! But that was done in mid 2010s. You may noticed baseboards to protect the wall from skates hitting the wall. And yes, of course, there was a handle rail around the rink. This was their signature at all Happy Wheels Skate Centers. This was excellent because of the young children and inexperience skaters needed that to held on rather than the Skate Mates "Walkers on wheels" as many fans calls it. The two things that were hanging above on the ceiling were speakers. Source: Happy Wheels of Portland.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Beautiful floor redone! Love how it was shining. Looks wet! But that was done in mid 2010s. You may noticed baseboards to protect the wall from skates hitting the wall. And yes, of course, there was a handle rail around the rink. This was their signature at all Happy Wheels Skate Centers. This was excellent because of the young children and inexperience skaters needed that to held on rather than the Skate Mates "Walkers on wheels" as many fans calls it. The two things that were hanging above on the ceiling were speakers. Source: Happy Wheels of Portland.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Final announcement on Facebook OR was it just a temporary? Source: Happy Wheels of Portland.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. This Project Manager was explaining the property to the town board what the property will be like. Source: Press Herald.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. This is the bird view of the property that will house the rink. The building will be very simple in design. Very common in that neighborhood--Gray colored Gable Roof Free-Span Truss warehouse-like structure. Source: Google Map.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. Westbrook/St.Germain. This is the rendering of Happy Wheels Skate Center. A first for Dead-Rinks to show actual rink opening in the future! I know what you are thinking. That is because of old location qualifies to be on Dead-Rinks. It is the rebooted of same business with new owner, Derek Fitzgerald, the former manager of the original location 1.5 miles away. One more thing, the photo shown with garage doors are not going to be included. Just walk in doors. Source: Happy Wheels Skate Center.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME. See original location in upper right corner as the new location that will be built is on lower left corner. Source: Dead-Rinks.
Happy Wheels of Portland 331 Warren Ave, Portland, ME (Original location)
Happy Wheels Skate Center 84 Warren Ave, Westbrook, ME (Reboot, to be opened in late 2020).
Happy Wheels Skate Center 84 Warren Ave, Westbrook, ME (Reboot, to be opened in late 2020).
It was surely the last Happy Wheels being happy but not anymore. It sure is sad after so many years in business and several franchise of this chain. Six of Happy Wheels in Maine and one Happy Wheels in New Hampshire. And ran for over 40 years starting in 1970s.
One source said eight rinks but I got seven. But let's go by eight. I have only six in Maine list on Dead-Rinks and one in New Hampshire. Do you what I am missing? Please let me know which one is missing. Please check back to the US list of rinks and let me know.
This Happy Wheels rink was once part of a eight roller rink empire which was owned and started by Bill and Edith Faulkingham. But in the past couple of years for very rink that was closed in December 2019 was owned by Brothers Paul and Jonathan White.
Derek Fitzgerald was a manager of Happy Wheels toward the end and he was hoping to buy the name and business. Derek wanted to take over and perhaps relocate. But the building was sold to a developer. Good news though, Derek was working on opening a new Happy Wheels in Westbrook, Maine. That was in the start of the year 2020. Now, with COVID, I do not know if the proposal is still active or dropped. I do not want to see it becomes a Dead-Proposal.
Happy Wheels at this location had not been too good since 1980s and held on this long time. And in fact they were trying to sell for a long time and the new owners did not want to continue as a rink. Just wanted the building. Not right. Iknow how you feel, skaters. It just business. That is life. Cest la vie.
Well, hopefully Happy Wheels is going to be opened this Fall (2020) but as so far, it is November 2020 and I did not hear anything about the new rink is opening up. The new one is just merely a mile and half away from original location. It will be also a warehouse-like building but 3,100 Square Feet bigger than the original 19,940 Square Feet. Yes, bigger rink! Also higher. Google Map does not show any new ones yet. Stay tuned! Yay!
The new owner did not continue as a rink but as a fitness center. Many rinks are converted to fitness center. What!? Why cannot they keep the skating rink, remove video games and put exercise equipment there instead and keep the rink open!?
Happy Wheels sites in South Portland and Scarborough closed in the 1980s and 2000s, respectively.
The Interior.
Beautiful interior with beautiful floor! It was Concrete with Title color upon it. Its finish was beautiful. Clear coated, perhaps Polyurethane. I got only response that it was, "Concrete floor with title color." on Facebook when they replied back to me. They did not answer more questions. But one answer answered quite a bit. Thank you whoever you are at Happy Wheels!
The rest of the place had the usual sections. They had carpet tiles and Checkers linoleum floor in the eating area/snack bar. I love the eating area because of the tradition with Checkers titles on the floor.
The Exterior.
Apparently this rink in its original location is a Gable/Zig-Zag roof Steel Sheet metal walled building with Free-Span Steel Truss structure. The rooflines explained very well when you see the photo above. That is the fundamental view of how they were built. Of course, in the hues of Blues. Dark and Grayish Blues. I believe that they wanted to match to the floor color.
The new one should be reopened soon and it is bigger. 3,100 Square Feet bigger than original. Higher, bigger. And of course all Gray Steel sheet metal with Free-Span Steel Truss. I am sure the floor itself will be Concrete. It has Navy Blue trim with all Gray. Trying to recreate the original.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Mainly Blue painted Concrete, Title coat. Floor Layout: Standard.
Building Size: 19,940 SF.* Built: 1973. Demolished: N/A.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Truss Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gable/Zig-Zag roof style.
Acres: 1.872496 Acres. (81,566 Sq. Ft.)
*According to Realty Trac, Xome, Only Loop Net said less size. And the goal for the rebooted rink in Westbrook will be 3,100 SF bigger adding to 19,940 would be 23,000 SF.
Operated: 1973 to Sunday, December 15, 2019. (might return in late 2020).
Happy Wheels (Original): 1973 to Sunday December 15, 2019
Happy Wheels (new location and rebooted); Registered December 17, 2019; Opening expected in late 2020 to Present.
Reason for Closure: Owner of the building sold to a developer therefore, forcing rink "out of business."
Wanted: Information regarding actual dates of open, size of rink. Also photos especially from 40, 30, and 20 years ago!
Anyone has pictures and/or information please let me know at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources:
WMTW 8 - announcing closing of the rink.
WMTV 8 - Last Roller Derby meet at this rink.
News Center Maine - announcing closing.
WJBQ 97.9 - Might have a comeback.
WMTV 8 - The return of Happy Wheels in Westbrook.
Facebook
Local Gyms & Fitness
Loop Net
Realty Trac
Xome
Press Herald - Rebuilding the rink. 30 November 2021 (Added on 15 April 2022). PDF
The New Happy Wheels location 1.5 miles away: Bizapedia; Press Herald - Approved for new Happy Wheels rink.
WJBQ 97.9 - Might have a comeback;
Worth to visit:
Yes and no. Not now because the new location will be built and will announce opening soon. Will inform you.
Please do not visit the old site because it is now a private property.
DISCLAIMER:
Dead-Rinks and Mark Falso are not responsible for your physical and legal injuries you may have caused. Please always obey laws and regulations and property owner's signs. Some states allow purple paint on fence which means they even have guns on their property and have rights to shoot you. Please DO NOT attempt to enter property without permission!
For abandoned rinks, after you receive permission, do WEAR safety OSHA equipment including a safety glasses, pair of safety gloves, an orange vest or a jacket, and a construction helmet.
Thank you for understanding.
Date of Issue: Late 2020.
Updated: End of 2020.
Updated: 15 April 2022.
For Office Only: 18.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.
One source said eight rinks but I got seven. But let's go by eight. I have only six in Maine list on Dead-Rinks and one in New Hampshire. Do you what I am missing? Please let me know which one is missing. Please check back to the US list of rinks and let me know.
This Happy Wheels rink was once part of a eight roller rink empire which was owned and started by Bill and Edith Faulkingham. But in the past couple of years for very rink that was closed in December 2019 was owned by Brothers Paul and Jonathan White.
Derek Fitzgerald was a manager of Happy Wheels toward the end and he was hoping to buy the name and business. Derek wanted to take over and perhaps relocate. But the building was sold to a developer. Good news though, Derek was working on opening a new Happy Wheels in Westbrook, Maine. That was in the start of the year 2020. Now, with COVID, I do not know if the proposal is still active or dropped. I do not want to see it becomes a Dead-Proposal.
Happy Wheels at this location had not been too good since 1980s and held on this long time. And in fact they were trying to sell for a long time and the new owners did not want to continue as a rink. Just wanted the building. Not right. Iknow how you feel, skaters. It just business. That is life. Cest la vie.
Well, hopefully Happy Wheels is going to be opened this Fall (2020) but as so far, it is November 2020 and I did not hear anything about the new rink is opening up. The new one is just merely a mile and half away from original location. It will be also a warehouse-like building but 3,100 Square Feet bigger than the original 19,940 Square Feet. Yes, bigger rink! Also higher. Google Map does not show any new ones yet. Stay tuned! Yay!
The new owner did not continue as a rink but as a fitness center. Many rinks are converted to fitness center. What!? Why cannot they keep the skating rink, remove video games and put exercise equipment there instead and keep the rink open!?
Happy Wheels sites in South Portland and Scarborough closed in the 1980s and 2000s, respectively.
The Interior.
Beautiful interior with beautiful floor! It was Concrete with Title color upon it. Its finish was beautiful. Clear coated, perhaps Polyurethane. I got only response that it was, "Concrete floor with title color." on Facebook when they replied back to me. They did not answer more questions. But one answer answered quite a bit. Thank you whoever you are at Happy Wheels!
The rest of the place had the usual sections. They had carpet tiles and Checkers linoleum floor in the eating area/snack bar. I love the eating area because of the tradition with Checkers titles on the floor.
The Exterior.
Apparently this rink in its original location is a Gable/Zig-Zag roof Steel Sheet metal walled building with Free-Span Steel Truss structure. The rooflines explained very well when you see the photo above. That is the fundamental view of how they were built. Of course, in the hues of Blues. Dark and Grayish Blues. I believe that they wanted to match to the floor color.
The new one should be reopened soon and it is bigger. 3,100 Square Feet bigger than original. Higher, bigger. And of course all Gray Steel sheet metal with Free-Span Steel Truss. I am sure the floor itself will be Concrete. It has Navy Blue trim with all Gray. Trying to recreate the original.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Mainly Blue painted Concrete, Title coat. Floor Layout: Standard.
Building Size: 19,940 SF.* Built: 1973. Demolished: N/A.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Truss Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gable/Zig-Zag roof style.
Acres: 1.872496 Acres. (81,566 Sq. Ft.)
*According to Realty Trac, Xome, Only Loop Net said less size. And the goal for the rebooted rink in Westbrook will be 3,100 SF bigger adding to 19,940 would be 23,000 SF.
Operated: 1973 to Sunday, December 15, 2019. (might return in late 2020).
Happy Wheels (Original): 1973 to Sunday December 15, 2019
Happy Wheels (new location and rebooted); Registered December 17, 2019; Opening expected in late 2020 to Present.
Reason for Closure: Owner of the building sold to a developer therefore, forcing rink "out of business."
Wanted: Information regarding actual dates of open, size of rink. Also photos especially from 40, 30, and 20 years ago!
Anyone has pictures and/or information please let me know at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources:
WMTW 8 - announcing closing of the rink.
WMTV 8 - Last Roller Derby meet at this rink.
News Center Maine - announcing closing.
WJBQ 97.9 - Might have a comeback.
WMTV 8 - The return of Happy Wheels in Westbrook.
Local Gyms & Fitness
Loop Net
Realty Trac
Xome
Press Herald - Rebuilding the rink. 30 November 2021 (Added on 15 April 2022). PDF
The New Happy Wheels location 1.5 miles away: Bizapedia; Press Herald - Approved for new Happy Wheels rink.
WJBQ 97.9 - Might have a comeback;
Worth to visit:
Yes and no. Not now because the new location will be built and will announce opening soon. Will inform you.
Please do not visit the old site because it is now a private property.
DISCLAIMER:
Dead-Rinks and Mark Falso are not responsible for your physical and legal injuries you may have caused. Please always obey laws and regulations and property owner's signs. Some states allow purple paint on fence which means they even have guns on their property and have rights to shoot you. Please DO NOT attempt to enter property without permission!
For abandoned rinks, after you receive permission, do WEAR safety OSHA equipment including a safety glasses, pair of safety gloves, an orange vest or a jacket, and a construction helmet.
Thank you for understanding.
Date of Issue: Late 2020.
Updated: End of 2020.
Updated: 15 April 2022.
For Office Only: 18.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.