Roller City Skating Center 1367 East 71st Street, Broken Arrow, OK. The original location which is now a Rhea Bible College campus building where the gym is located. I believe the college expanded by adding the 2 story section on the left as seen in the photo. The original rink is on the right. Source: Google 2019.
Roller City Skating Center 600 West Oakland Place, Broken Arrow, OK. Second location of the rink which is now a Ferguson Kia dealership service center.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Google 2006.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Google Map. 2009.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK. Source: Yelp.
Roller City Skating Center 1367 East 71st Street, Broken Arrow OK
Roller City Skating Center 600 West Oakland Place, Broken Arrow, OK
Roller City Skating Center 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK (Currently Operating)
Roller City Skating Center 600 West Oakland Place, Broken Arrow, OK
Roller City Skating Center 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK
Broken Arrow Roller Sports 551 West Oakland Pl, Broken Arrow, OK (Currently Operating)
Originally operating since 1974 was Roller City Skating Center at 551 West Oakland Place which is now Broken Arrow Roller Sports in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
It was registered by Donald Jack Kennett on June 19, 1974. It was running for quite a while. I do not know when they closed because Bizapedia said it was expired on that date also. It did not make any sense.
I saw many information related to that rink that has a different address and it was a residential address. It was in a much newer home as I saw on several real estate websites. It was on North Forest Ridge Boulevard in Broken Arrow. That is standard when you register a new business and when you open, it still addressed to your residence. When I want to open a new business... say a new roller rink in Central NY, I go down to the county courthouse and register then they tell me to put down my residence on the form. Then she put notary on it and then I go home and do paperwork to get my new rink up elsewhere. Then you go to the post office that you want your mail to go to the new place, not your residence or they will actually send it to your home. That is how it works. Many of you who own businesses know that. And yes, I dream to own that world's largest roller rink I designed. Hahaha.
The real physical address is 551 West Oakland Place, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Hope that clears up.
It is now Broken Arrow Roller Sports since 2006 and is owned by Darrien Johnson and his family.
Listen to this really interesting name.. I do not know if you caught that earlier with the initials. If you were to write to make it easier on that long name, Broken Arrow Roller Sports, you get acronym as BARS. Or B.A.R.S. Bars? Yeah, no, not the drinking one at this BARS. That was a little odd to say that rink name. "Mommy, I want to go skating at the bars tonight!" Then the mother will say, "No you are not going to the bars tonight! You are too young to go to bars. It is for adults, understand, my child?" I think this rink needs a huge name change. How about BASE as in Broken Arrow Sports Entertainment? I see this was being funny, I am not sure if mothers said that. But please read on.. haha. I love this.
UPDATE! --
This is what I received in the email today from the very owner of B.A.R.S. or more formal-- BA Roller Sports as he explained to me. Here is what he has to say which can clears up on this acronym I spoke about in last paragrah above.
As for the name Broken Arrow Roller Sports or what most call it BA Roller Sports I was fully aware of the acronym BARS when we decided on it. We even had shirts made that say “I hang at B.A.R.S.” On the back. They were a huge hit. Maybe need to make more.
-- Darrien Johnson, Owner of BA Roller Sports.
Oh Darrien, this I got to see those shirts! Hmm, maybe I should order one! This is perfect joke to have on such shirts. You should start considering selling them at stores like Walmart and 5 Below and more because they are the ones selling shirts of this sort. And make good money on that. I would do that if I were you, Darren. If not, at least in your rink's pro-shop and on your website. Make mine XL please. Hahaha. Good one!
Here is one more what Darrien has to say --
The manager of Roller City still helps out around property when we are closed and has all sorts of stories.
-- Darrien Johnson, Owner of BA Roller Sports.
Ah, excellent! Please have him to answer my questions. (already emailed you anyway with those questions). Update- 02 September 2021-- Darrien replied real fast! Here is the LONG description and I will make a lot of adjustment here.
Ok, now the long email he wrote me on this rink. Now the history really revealed. This is what Darrien has to say --
Ok. Let’s start with Roller City in Broken Arrow (I know there are a bunch elsewhere)
Roller City was started in 1974 by Jack Kenent[t] and was located at 1367 E 71st st Broken Arrow OK and was sold to Rhema Bible College in 1983 as part of their recreation center.
1983 Roller City moved to 600 West Oakland Place and operated there until 2003 when the building and land was bought by Ferguson Kia and is now the dealership service department.
In 2005 Roller City reopened at 551 West Oakland Place but Jack was no longer the owner, new owner was David Abston. (Google him and prepare to be disgusted). In November 2006, [David] Abston was arrested for pedophilia*. At that time the bank holding the mortgage approached me to operate the rink in receivership as I was in process of building a new rink in another town using same bank as lender. I operated Roller City from November 2006 to February 2007 at which time we agreed to buy out the mortgage once the US Attorney agreed to release the property. In March of 2007 the business became Broken Arrow Roller Sports.
Not sure on previous addresses but as for 551 West Oakland. The land is just under 2 acres, building is 18,900 [Square Feet] with rink 9,900 [Square Feet]. Rink is concrete with epoxy coating over it.
I love the interior at BARS...er, I am going to say this.. at the BA Roller Sports center.
*It is a public record so it is allowable to put on there. And to clarify what the situation or reason why this happened. This is truly sad. This is like the 2nd or 3rd rink operator I heard were involved this is insanity involving human traffickings. Dead-Rinks strongly condemn such human traffickings. If you know anyone involved in such this, call your nearest police department, FBI, or simply call 911. For your personal help if you are in this situation, please call for help or contact Polaris Project. Or the US Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Or if you are involved with such situation, seek professional help. Thank you for being patient with us.
There are no information for the first two locations of Roller City Skating Center however, the information below are based on the current location -- the 551 West Oakland Place, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
But I can say about the first two locations-- the first one at that was sold to the Bible College, it became Rhema Ninowski Recreation Center (NRC). It is still a place where you can do exercises! Not skating but college sports and church activities. It is literally next block to the big church and college campus. That location I am referring to is the 1367 East 71st Street location. They may have had total renovation with addition of 2nd floor or something.
I believe this Roller City may have been part of the national chain Roller City. Not to be confused with Skate City chain.
600 West Oakland Place location --
The Interior.
N/A.
The Exterior.
It was a Gable roof Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building. I saw on Google map to compare to the current for size, it appeared to be quite exactly the same size. Or almost. Maybe off by a couple feet but I am not sure. Just take a fact here- the same size. A carbon copy.
It is Free-Span Steel Trusses Flat Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building with Flat roof.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 9,900 SF? Floor: Non-painted, Epoxy coated Concrete? Floor Layout: Standard.
Building Size: ~18,900 SF. Built: N/A. Demolished: Still standing. Dealership service repairs center.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gable.
Acres: N/A.
551 West Oakland Place location --
The Interior.
I do not have information regarding the interior for Roller City Skating Center but I will explain briefly with BARS, BARS has beautiful interior. Very colorful and warming colors. Originally had Light Gray carpet but the walls are bold colors. Fire Engine Red, True Blue, Yellow, Light Green, White, you name it. One wall has supersized balloon. I love that design better than some rinks with tiny balloons that looked bit tacky but this one nailed it. The fake windows are True Blue. I love the colors which balance the interior. Beautiful job interior design there. Carpet did not match but they replaced it recently perhaps along with repainting on the outside. Now they have Glow-in-Dark carpet with skates on it. Looked less clutter which made it easy on the eyes there. Those walls really gets me especially I love the balloons, its right by that air hockey. I also love the color banners hanging up on the ceiling. It brings color and vibrant at the rink. I am sure skaters skating by can cause butterfly effect blowing the banners. That might be beautiful.
Their pro shop is more than just roller skating, they sell skateboards. The largest pro shop at a rink I ever seen is right in my hometown at Black Mamba. Bigger than a Hallmark store size. Maybe twice the size of a Hallmark Shop. This one at BA Roller Sports seemly to be well equipped with many merchandise more than just skates.
The Exterior.
I do not know what it was like when it was Roller City Skating Center but with BARS, it is different. First it was sort of Gray White with extra large letterings spells BROKEN ARROW in capitals as ROLLER SPORTS in script style. The Roller Sports was in Gold Yellow which almost blend to the wall and it was not much contrast so the new updated version is much better. Really bright Capitan Marvel (DC) Lighting Yellow with the name remained the same fonts but all of its fonts are in Deep Black color. They even had a checkered flag on the wall as a mural. I supposed because of the name and because of auto racing usually have checkered flags. Now, this made sense that they painted that because of two automobile dealerships cross the street. The new one was built in 2017 and they now even occupy the empty property next to the rink to put their overflow of cars there. I have this gut feeling if the rink closes, that dealer will buy it up and convert to garage or expand as parking lot there. I pray not. We really need rinks badly.
It is Free-Span Steel Trusses Flat Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building with Flat roof.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 9,900 SF. Floor: Non-painted, Epoxy coated Concrete. Floor Layout: Standard.
Building Size: 18,900 SF. Built: N/A. Demolished: Still standing.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Flat Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Flat.
Acres: ~ 2.0000 AC.
Operated: (Overall)-- June 19, 1974 to Present.
Roller City Skating Center: East 71st Street location: Filed on June 19, 1974, 1974 to 1983.
Roller City Skating Center: 600 West Oakland location: 1983 to 2003.
Roller City Skating Center: 551 West Oakland: 2003 to November 2006 (under Kennett then Abston)
Roller City Skating Center: 551 West Oakland: November 2006 to February 2007 (under Darrien Johnson)
Broken Arrow Roller Sports: February 2007 to Present (Darrien Johnson)
Reason for Closure:
Roller City Skating Center: East 71st Street location: relocated rink and sold building to Rhema Bible college.
Roller City Skating Center: 600 West Oakland location: relocated rink, sold building to Ferguson Kia, now the service department.
Roller City Skating Center: 551 West Oakland: Kennett sold to Abston, but in November 2006, quickly it went into receivership, finally sold to Darrien Johnson. (under Kennett then Abston)
Broken Arrow Roller Sports: Still operational.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Bizapedia - Roller City Skate Center;
Dun & Bradstreet - Roller City Skate Center;
Yelp - Broken Arrow Roller Sports;
Facebook - Broken Arrow Roller Sports;
Broken Arrow Roller Sports - Website;
Trip Advisor - Broken Arrow Roller Sports;
Open Corporates - Roller City Skate Center;
On the child predator, David Abston, former owner and operator of Roller City Skating Center who was arrested in November 2006.
Tulsa World - Child pornography, molestation suspect arrested at theater; Nov 16, 2006
Tulsa World - Abston gets 30 years; Sep 1, 2007.
News on 6 - Child Molester Pleads And Is Sentenced; Monday, January 28th 2008
Date of issue: 27 May 2021. Update: 01 September 2021.
For office use only: 10
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.
It was registered by Donald Jack Kennett on June 19, 1974. It was running for quite a while. I do not know when they closed because Bizapedia said it was expired on that date also. It did not make any sense.
I saw many information related to that rink that has a different address and it was a residential address. It was in a much newer home as I saw on several real estate websites. It was on North Forest Ridge Boulevard in Broken Arrow. That is standard when you register a new business and when you open, it still addressed to your residence. When I want to open a new business... say a new roller rink in Central NY, I go down to the county courthouse and register then they tell me to put down my residence on the form. Then she put notary on it and then I go home and do paperwork to get my new rink up elsewhere. Then you go to the post office that you want your mail to go to the new place, not your residence or they will actually send it to your home. That is how it works. Many of you who own businesses know that. And yes, I dream to own that world's largest roller rink I designed. Hahaha.
The real physical address is 551 West Oakland Place, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Hope that clears up.
It is now Broken Arrow Roller Sports since 2006 and is owned by Darrien Johnson and his family.
Listen to this really interesting name.. I do not know if you caught that earlier with the initials. If you were to write to make it easier on that long name, Broken Arrow Roller Sports, you get acronym as BARS. Or B.A.R.S. Bars? Yeah, no, not the drinking one at this BARS. That was a little odd to say that rink name. "Mommy, I want to go skating at the bars tonight!" Then the mother will say, "No you are not going to the bars tonight! You are too young to go to bars. It is for adults, understand, my child?" I think this rink needs a huge name change. How about BASE as in Broken Arrow Sports Entertainment? I see this was being funny, I am not sure if mothers said that. But please read on.. haha. I love this.
UPDATE! --
This is what I received in the email today from the very owner of B.A.R.S. or more formal-- BA Roller Sports as he explained to me. Here is what he has to say which can clears up on this acronym I spoke about in last paragrah above.
As for the name Broken Arrow Roller Sports or what most call it BA Roller Sports I was fully aware of the acronym BARS when we decided on it. We even had shirts made that say “I hang at B.A.R.S.” On the back. They were a huge hit. Maybe need to make more.
-- Darrien Johnson, Owner of BA Roller Sports.
Oh Darrien, this I got to see those shirts! Hmm, maybe I should order one! This is perfect joke to have on such shirts. You should start considering selling them at stores like Walmart and 5 Below and more because they are the ones selling shirts of this sort. And make good money on that. I would do that if I were you, Darren. If not, at least in your rink's pro-shop and on your website. Make mine XL please. Hahaha. Good one!
Here is one more what Darrien has to say --
The manager of Roller City still helps out around property when we are closed and has all sorts of stories.
-- Darrien Johnson, Owner of BA Roller Sports.
Ah, excellent! Please have him to answer my questions. (already emailed you anyway with those questions). Update- 02 September 2021-- Darrien replied real fast! Here is the LONG description and I will make a lot of adjustment here.
Ok, now the long email he wrote me on this rink. Now the history really revealed. This is what Darrien has to say --
Ok. Let’s start with Roller City in Broken Arrow (I know there are a bunch elsewhere)
Roller City was started in 1974 by Jack Kenent[t] and was located at 1367 E 71st st Broken Arrow OK and was sold to Rhema Bible College in 1983 as part of their recreation center.
1983 Roller City moved to 600 West Oakland Place and operated there until 2003 when the building and land was bought by Ferguson Kia and is now the dealership service department.
In 2005 Roller City reopened at 551 West Oakland Place but Jack was no longer the owner, new owner was David Abston. (Google him and prepare to be disgusted). In November 2006, [David] Abston was arrested for pedophilia*. At that time the bank holding the mortgage approached me to operate the rink in receivership as I was in process of building a new rink in another town using same bank as lender. I operated Roller City from November 2006 to February 2007 at which time we agreed to buy out the mortgage once the US Attorney agreed to release the property. In March of 2007 the business became Broken Arrow Roller Sports.
Not sure on previous addresses but as for 551 West Oakland. The land is just under 2 acres, building is 18,900 [Square Feet] with rink 9,900 [Square Feet]. Rink is concrete with epoxy coating over it.
I love the interior at BARS...er, I am going to say this.. at the BA Roller Sports center.
*It is a public record so it is allowable to put on there. And to clarify what the situation or reason why this happened. This is truly sad. This is like the 2nd or 3rd rink operator I heard were involved this is insanity involving human traffickings. Dead-Rinks strongly condemn such human traffickings. If you know anyone involved in such this, call your nearest police department, FBI, or simply call 911. For your personal help if you are in this situation, please call for help or contact Polaris Project. Or the US Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Or if you are involved with such situation, seek professional help. Thank you for being patient with us.
There are no information for the first two locations of Roller City Skating Center however, the information below are based on the current location -- the 551 West Oakland Place, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
But I can say about the first two locations-- the first one at that was sold to the Bible College, it became Rhema Ninowski Recreation Center (NRC). It is still a place where you can do exercises! Not skating but college sports and church activities. It is literally next block to the big church and college campus. That location I am referring to is the 1367 East 71st Street location. They may have had total renovation with addition of 2nd floor or something.
I believe this Roller City may have been part of the national chain Roller City. Not to be confused with Skate City chain.
600 West Oakland Place location --
The Interior.
N/A.
The Exterior.
It was a Gable roof Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building. I saw on Google map to compare to the current for size, it appeared to be quite exactly the same size. Or almost. Maybe off by a couple feet but I am not sure. Just take a fact here- the same size. A carbon copy.
It is Free-Span Steel Trusses Flat Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building with Flat roof.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 9,900 SF? Floor: Non-painted, Epoxy coated Concrete? Floor Layout: Standard.
Building Size: ~18,900 SF. Built: N/A. Demolished: Still standing. Dealership service repairs center.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gable.
Acres: N/A.
551 West Oakland Place location --
The Interior.
I do not have information regarding the interior for Roller City Skating Center but I will explain briefly with BARS, BARS has beautiful interior. Very colorful and warming colors. Originally had Light Gray carpet but the walls are bold colors. Fire Engine Red, True Blue, Yellow, Light Green, White, you name it. One wall has supersized balloon. I love that design better than some rinks with tiny balloons that looked bit tacky but this one nailed it. The fake windows are True Blue. I love the colors which balance the interior. Beautiful job interior design there. Carpet did not match but they replaced it recently perhaps along with repainting on the outside. Now they have Glow-in-Dark carpet with skates on it. Looked less clutter which made it easy on the eyes there. Those walls really gets me especially I love the balloons, its right by that air hockey. I also love the color banners hanging up on the ceiling. It brings color and vibrant at the rink. I am sure skaters skating by can cause butterfly effect blowing the banners. That might be beautiful.
Their pro shop is more than just roller skating, they sell skateboards. The largest pro shop at a rink I ever seen is right in my hometown at Black Mamba. Bigger than a Hallmark store size. Maybe twice the size of a Hallmark Shop. This one at BA Roller Sports seemly to be well equipped with many merchandise more than just skates.
The Exterior.
I do not know what it was like when it was Roller City Skating Center but with BARS, it is different. First it was sort of Gray White with extra large letterings spells BROKEN ARROW in capitals as ROLLER SPORTS in script style. The Roller Sports was in Gold Yellow which almost blend to the wall and it was not much contrast so the new updated version is much better. Really bright Capitan Marvel (DC) Lighting Yellow with the name remained the same fonts but all of its fonts are in Deep Black color. They even had a checkered flag on the wall as a mural. I supposed because of the name and because of auto racing usually have checkered flags. Now, this made sense that they painted that because of two automobile dealerships cross the street. The new one was built in 2017 and they now even occupy the empty property next to the rink to put their overflow of cars there. I have this gut feeling if the rink closes, that dealer will buy it up and convert to garage or expand as parking lot there. I pray not. We really need rinks badly.
It is Free-Span Steel Trusses Flat Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building with Flat roof.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 9,900 SF. Floor: Non-painted, Epoxy coated Concrete. Floor Layout: Standard.
Building Size: 18,900 SF. Built: N/A. Demolished: Still standing.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Flat Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Flat.
Acres: ~ 2.0000 AC.
Operated: (Overall)-- June 19, 1974 to Present.
Roller City Skating Center: East 71st Street location: Filed on June 19, 1974, 1974 to 1983.
Roller City Skating Center: 600 West Oakland location: 1983 to 2003.
Roller City Skating Center: 551 West Oakland: 2003 to November 2006 (under Kennett then Abston)
Roller City Skating Center: 551 West Oakland: November 2006 to February 2007 (under Darrien Johnson)
Broken Arrow Roller Sports: February 2007 to Present (Darrien Johnson)
Reason for Closure:
Roller City Skating Center: East 71st Street location: relocated rink and sold building to Rhema Bible college.
Roller City Skating Center: 600 West Oakland location: relocated rink, sold building to Ferguson Kia, now the service department.
Roller City Skating Center: 551 West Oakland: Kennett sold to Abston, but in November 2006, quickly it went into receivership, finally sold to Darrien Johnson. (under Kennett then Abston)
Broken Arrow Roller Sports: Still operational.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Bizapedia - Roller City Skate Center;
Dun & Bradstreet - Roller City Skate Center;
Yelp - Broken Arrow Roller Sports;
Facebook - Broken Arrow Roller Sports;
Broken Arrow Roller Sports - Website;
Trip Advisor - Broken Arrow Roller Sports;
Open Corporates - Roller City Skate Center;
On the child predator, David Abston, former owner and operator of Roller City Skating Center who was arrested in November 2006.
Tulsa World - Child pornography, molestation suspect arrested at theater; Nov 16, 2006
Tulsa World - Abston gets 30 years; Sep 1, 2007.
News on 6 - Child Molester Pleads And Is Sentenced; Monday, January 28th 2008
Date of issue: 27 May 2021. Update: 01 September 2021.
For office use only: 10
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.