Understanding Rink Analogy.
This page explains to you what some terminology or what was common at the rinks. This is to help you understand what other skaters speak in their language or architects speak as well.
Simply put, a skating rink is a skating rink. There is a bit confusion though when you say "Skating rink." Why? There is ice rink versions. Two kinds: Roller and Ice. Those two mainly have two distinctive purposes. They are not in alphabetically order.
This page explains to you what some terminology or what was common at the rinks. This is to help you understand what other skaters speak in their language or architects speak as well.
Simply put, a skating rink is a skating rink. There is a bit confusion though when you say "Skating rink." Why? There is ice rink versions. Two kinds: Roller and Ice. Those two mainly have two distinctive purposes. They are not in alphabetically order.
Building
Free-Standing Structure.
This is a free standing building as in an example. This was a former rink called Reva Rollerdrome. It was not part of any plaza. Many older rinks were freestanding. Each rink has different dimensions of width by depth rather than a standard NHL rink size (85' X 200') or Olympic size hockey rink (100' by 200' or 220'). Average is around 14,000 to 21,000 square feet. It is usually has its own parking lot.
This is a free standing building as in an example. This was a former rink called Reva Rollerdrome. It was not part of any plaza. Many older rinks were freestanding. Each rink has different dimensions of width by depth rather than a standard NHL rink size (85' X 200') or Olympic size hockey rink (100' by 200' or 220'). Average is around 14,000 to 21,000 square feet. It is usually has its own parking lot.
Plaza/Mall Location.
This photo shows where the former Empire Skates East use to be. Now several stores have occupied the space. It was already plaza when Empire was opened at the time. More modern rinks are housed in plazas but not always.
This photo shows where the former Empire Skates East use to be. Now several stores have occupied the space. It was already plaza when Empire was opened at the time. More modern rinks are housed in plazas but not always.
Multi-Purpose Building.
This rink was housed in building in Celoron, NY that in winter, they housed as ice rink and in summer, roller rink but also they had conventions, conferences, and festivals in that facility. Some rinks were at state and county fairgrounds as well.
Celoron Auditorium, The Peoples' Park at Celoron (Amusement Park), Jamestown, NY
This rink was housed in building in Celoron, NY that in winter, they housed as ice rink and in summer, roller rink but also they had conventions, conferences, and festivals in that facility. Some rinks were at state and county fairgrounds as well.
Celoron Auditorium, The Peoples' Park at Celoron (Amusement Park), Jamestown, NY
Dual Rink Complex
Rinks like this one at All Weather Roll 'N' Ice in Long Island, NY had two rinks. One for roller and the other for Ice. You can see the building has two levels of windows. That means two stories. Rarely you find a rink that has two rinks for this purpose.
Rinks like this one at All Weather Roll 'N' Ice in Long Island, NY had two rinks. One for roller and the other for Ice. You can see the building has two levels of windows. That means two stories. Rarely you find a rink that has two rinks for this purpose.
Rink at Amusement Park.
Usuaully they are free-standing but sometimes joint with another amusement/recreation related.. This separate from Entertainment Centers because of the amusement park rides are usually outdoors like this was at Suburban Park in Manlius, NY.
(Note, it is the white Gable roof building toward back side of Suburban Park. Limestone Creek is seen behind the park.)
Usuaully they are free-standing but sometimes joint with another amusement/recreation related.. This separate from Entertainment Centers because of the amusement park rides are usually outdoors like this was at Suburban Park in Manlius, NY.
(Note, it is the white Gable roof building toward back side of Suburban Park. Limestone Creek is seen behind the park.)
The Skates
Quads
As it is clearly described, a quad is a roller skate with four wheels that are for stability and set at four corners of the shoe. James Plimpton invented the quads in 1860s. Remains popular.
As it is clearly described, a quad is a roller skate with four wheels that are for stability and set at four corners of the shoe. James Plimpton invented the quads in 1860s. Remains popular.
In-Line Skates.
This is the proper terminology for four wheeled skates lined up like an ice-blade would do. It has different purposes for skating. Likely for roller hockey, outdoor skating, and movements slightly different than quads do when you skate. The words, "In-Line Skates" is proper word, not "Roller Blades" or "Blades" because the word, Blades belongs to ice skates and second of all, "Roller Blades" is a brand name. So, technically, you "In-Line Skates."
This is the proper terminology for four wheeled skates lined up like an ice-blade would do. It has different purposes for skating. Likely for roller hockey, outdoor skating, and movements slightly different than quads do when you skate. The words, "In-Line Skates" is proper word, not "Roller Blades" or "Blades" because the word, Blades belongs to ice skates and second of all, "Roller Blades" is a brand name. So, technically, you "In-Line Skates."
Skateboards
This is the type of skates that are on a board. Originally came from scooters. And surf boards. To understand what I mean, go watch a movie about a time traveling boy who went back to 1955. Skateboarders invented by using roller skates wheels attached to their surfboards that they surfed the Californian waves. The company, Roller Derby which was connected to Roller Skating manufactured the skateboards so both Skateboards and Roller Skating had connections and still are.
It is very popular today still largely due to towns having a free skate park and complex outdoors. Sometimes indoors. Usually at a park.
Rarely skating rinks would now allow skateboard night and they would set up ramps, jumps, and all for skaters to do their stunts. Quads and In-Lines both functions well at skateboard parks. There is a powered version of skateboard that only have two wheels. I call them Powerboards, not "hoverboards" because hoverboards is a device flying or hover above ground without any assistance with wheels (See Back to the Future part 2).
This is the type of skates that are on a board. Originally came from scooters. And surf boards. To understand what I mean, go watch a movie about a time traveling boy who went back to 1955. Skateboarders invented by using roller skates wheels attached to their surfboards that they surfed the Californian waves. The company, Roller Derby which was connected to Roller Skating manufactured the skateboards so both Skateboards and Roller Skating had connections and still are.
It is very popular today still largely due to towns having a free skate park and complex outdoors. Sometimes indoors. Usually at a park.
Rarely skating rinks would now allow skateboard night and they would set up ramps, jumps, and all for skaters to do their stunts. Quads and In-Lines both functions well at skateboard parks. There is a powered version of skateboard that only have two wheels. I call them Powerboards, not "hoverboards" because hoverboards is a device flying or hover above ground without any assistance with wheels (See Back to the Future part 2).
Scooters
Scooters were originally designed before some skateboarder came up with out the handlebars and gave birth to skateboards. I am sure that was the case because they used wooden boxes as scooters to skateboard with. Again, see the movie please! Scooters are basically skateboards with handlebars on it.
Today Scooters have evolved quite a bit and separated from Skateboards.
Scooters were originally designed before some skateboarder came up with out the handlebars and gave birth to skateboards. I am sure that was the case because they used wooden boxes as scooters to skateboard with. Again, see the movie please! Scooters are basically skateboards with handlebars on it.
Today Scooters have evolved quite a bit and separated from Skateboards.
The Floors
Solid Wood Flooring
Usually hardwood floors such as Maple which is most common wood. They last 25 to 50 years of life on the floor. Usually water resistance and often needed to be waxed for shining and protection from skates abuses about every six months. Easy to sand often if desired and maintenance much less than any other flooring. Expensive to invest compared to three other types of floors but softer than concrete yet but smoothest to roll. However, wood floor is bit stickier than concrete. Waxing is different than special coating called Polyurethane or Epoxy which is needed to be coated every few years.
Many rinks that invest in wood would have to spend around 30,000 to 100,000 US Dollars for a good sized 21,000 square feet rink! That does not include building a new building, utilities, benches, lockers, rented skates, etc. Just the floor. Maple is usually the choice. But other options for hardwood are available such as oak, ash, cherry, and poplar. Hardwood are from deciduous trees with broad leaves and produce a fruit/nut and during winters, they generally go dormant. North America’s forests grow hundreds of varieties that thrive in temperate climates. Hard Maple is best choice because of pressure although there are other kinds of wood harder than Hard Maple. Hickory is hardest at 1820 pounds pressure to mar (damage). Hard Maple, the common wood for rinks is at 1450 pounds pressure to mar.
Each rink has their own unique layout design. Can be straight, log cabin, fan, or curved or even parquet or even planks!
Photo shown that of the old B&B Rink in upstate NY.
Usually hardwood floors such as Maple which is most common wood. They last 25 to 50 years of life on the floor. Usually water resistance and often needed to be waxed for shining and protection from skates abuses about every six months. Easy to sand often if desired and maintenance much less than any other flooring. Expensive to invest compared to three other types of floors but softer than concrete yet but smoothest to roll. However, wood floor is bit stickier than concrete. Waxing is different than special coating called Polyurethane or Epoxy which is needed to be coated every few years.
Many rinks that invest in wood would have to spend around 30,000 to 100,000 US Dollars for a good sized 21,000 square feet rink! That does not include building a new building, utilities, benches, lockers, rented skates, etc. Just the floor. Maple is usually the choice. But other options for hardwood are available such as oak, ash, cherry, and poplar. Hardwood are from deciduous trees with broad leaves and produce a fruit/nut and during winters, they generally go dormant. North America’s forests grow hundreds of varieties that thrive in temperate climates. Hard Maple is best choice because of pressure although there are other kinds of wood harder than Hard Maple. Hickory is hardest at 1820 pounds pressure to mar (damage). Hard Maple, the common wood for rinks is at 1450 pounds pressure to mar.
Each rink has their own unique layout design. Can be straight, log cabin, fan, or curved or even parquet or even planks!
Photo shown that of the old B&B Rink in upstate NY.
Concrete Flooring
Cheapest and just pour right in however, care is needed because of temperature contrast can crack up the concrete floor. Also chips can occur. There are special concrete flooring materials to coat concrete. Usually a special coating and can be concrete paint to suit their style. Concrete is more slicker than the sticky wood floor and it is more of a favorite for those who like roller jam, spins, and sliding on skates than the wooden floor.
The downside is that with concrete, injuries are more profound. It is similar to outdoors. Many rinks outdoors use concrete because of the weather elements. Many skateboard parks are using concrete.
Photo of Empire Skates East, DeWitt, NY. Figure skater on Concrete floor with grey coating. Taken in very late 1970s or very early 1980s.
Cheapest and just pour right in however, care is needed because of temperature contrast can crack up the concrete floor. Also chips can occur. There are special concrete flooring materials to coat concrete. Usually a special coating and can be concrete paint to suit their style. Concrete is more slicker than the sticky wood floor and it is more of a favorite for those who like roller jam, spins, and sliding on skates than the wooden floor.
The downside is that with concrete, injuries are more profound. It is similar to outdoors. Many rinks outdoors use concrete because of the weather elements. Many skateboard parks are using concrete.
Photo of Empire Skates East, DeWitt, NY. Figure skater on Concrete floor with grey coating. Taken in very late 1970s or very early 1980s.
Roller Board Flooring
They are tongue and groove floor mats pieces together. It is becoming more popular now as alternative cost to the wood although wood is the standard for roller rinks and skaters prefer wood. The mats are not as smooth because of tongue and groove attachments but also they are not lined like wood itself because wood has an advantage of smoothness due to the grain that skates go along with. It is required to have a good urethane skate floor coating to smooth it out and makes it smoother for skaters, and hides the inseams. (Photo courtesy of VersaCourt) You can see the floor clearly with titles. It does not look very smooth. I read comments out there that it feels like bumps like you are driving on the superhighway with those thumping.
SkateCourt. They are similar to Rollerboard but the difference is that it is a modular floor boards usually ten inches and has no seams when attached. It is popular for roller hockey.
They are tongue and groove floor mats pieces together. It is becoming more popular now as alternative cost to the wood although wood is the standard for roller rinks and skaters prefer wood. The mats are not as smooth because of tongue and groove attachments but also they are not lined like wood itself because wood has an advantage of smoothness due to the grain that skates go along with. It is required to have a good urethane skate floor coating to smooth it out and makes it smoother for skaters, and hides the inseams. (Photo courtesy of VersaCourt) You can see the floor clearly with titles. It does not look very smooth. I read comments out there that it feels like bumps like you are driving on the superhighway with those thumping.
SkateCourt. They are similar to Rollerboard but the difference is that it is a modular floor boards usually ten inches and has no seams when attached. It is popular for roller hockey.
Layouts of Floors-Wood
Straight Format
This type of floor is just when they only lay it down straight end to end. No turning of wood. Just plain floor. Usually found at small rinks. Rarely midsize. Extremely rare at large rinks.
Easiest to layout but hardest for skaters to make turns as it feels a little thumpy.
This was at B&B Rink in Upstate NY (near Albany).
This type of floor is just when they only lay it down straight end to end. No turning of wood. Just plain floor. Usually found at small rinks. Rarely midsize. Extremely rare at large rinks.
Easiest to layout but hardest for skaters to make turns as it feels a little thumpy.
This was at B&B Rink in Upstate NY (near Albany).
Log Cabin Format
This type of floor is just when they have corners, it is set as 90 degrees layout of wood. There are two ways or style of laying down Log Cabin style format. One is doing a 45 degrees cut to meet 90 degrees angle of wood or zig-zag step format. Both are Log Cabin format no matter what.
It is bit hard to see the floor bit it has Log Cabin Step format. Look toward around center bottom of the photo. This was at Grants Roller Rink in Oregon.
This type of floor is just when they have corners, it is set as 90 degrees layout of wood. There are two ways or style of laying down Log Cabin style format. One is doing a 45 degrees cut to meet 90 degrees angle of wood or zig-zag step format. Both are Log Cabin format no matter what.
It is bit hard to see the floor bit it has Log Cabin Step format. Look toward around center bottom of the photo. This was at Grants Roller Rink in Oregon.
Fan Format
This type of floor format is most popular for wooden floors. It is called fan because of the unique layout of floor. It can be two but typically 3 different angle positions on each end. Usually about 45 degrees angles on each corner and 90 degrees in between corners which makes it closer to curative. I apologize that the photo is not clear. The fan terminology would be more common with quilting.
This type of floor format is most popular for wooden floors. It is called fan because of the unique layout of floor. It can be two but typically 3 different angle positions on each end. Usually about 45 degrees angles on each corner and 90 degrees in between corners which makes it closer to curative. I apologize that the photo is not clear. The fan terminology would be more common with quilting.
Curature Format
This format is rare and beautifully designed. Curved is most unique and most expensive to construct because it is involved with soaking wood and bending them similar to wood boat building. This concept is quite unique and curve all parallel lines and grains along with the straight sides. When the the wood are bend, they lay down the wood and make it curve along with the railing. Updated version of the facility at ongoing Bonaventure Skate Center, Michigan.
This format is rare and beautifully designed. Curved is most unique and most expensive to construct because it is involved with soaking wood and bending them similar to wood boat building. This concept is quite unique and curve all parallel lines and grains along with the straight sides. When the the wood are bend, they lay down the wood and make it curve along with the railing. Updated version of the facility at ongoing Bonaventure Skate Center, Michigan.
Parquet Format
This format is quite rare and unusual. Hardly any rinks have that because of the way the floor is designed. Usually squared wood in two different directions. See photo to see what I mean. It would feel bit rough and It may look great on paper but not. It can be done if you put a lot of coating on top of the parquet titles. This was at B and B Palace. This rink just up for sale and you can see the floor. All scratches. Sad about this.
This format is quite rare and unusual. Hardly any rinks have that because of the way the floor is designed. Usually squared wood in two different directions. See photo to see what I mean. It would feel bit rough and It may look great on paper but not. It can be done if you put a lot of coating on top of the parquet titles. This was at B and B Palace. This rink just up for sale and you can see the floor. All scratches. Sad about this.
Unique Format
There are several unique formats that you would have hard time finding unless you have skated somewhere that has very unique floor. Like this one in Buffalo, NY. as you can see the photo. It had huge squares on each ends and middle of the floor. It looks more like it was made for a basketball court or something. Or even in a living room.
There are several unique formats that you would have hard time finding unless you have skated somewhere that has very unique floor. Like this one in Buffalo, NY. as you can see the photo. It had huge squares on each ends and middle of the floor. It looks more like it was made for a basketball court or something. Or even in a living room.
Paint-Coated Format
Lately roller rinks are painting their beautiful wooden floor and set up paints on the floor. Sometimes for a reason such as maybe for a Roller Derby team to race and so forth. It hides any format I have listed and you cannot tell the inseam at all if that was the case. It is growing trend rinks are doing this to attract skaters to skate instead of seeing the standard clear-coated wood floors. It can be mistaken for Concrete floor. It is not. Usually it is thick polyurethane coated with a certain color. Blue and Sky-Blue tend to be popular. It sure does look like ice! But it is not.
Lately roller rinks are painting their beautiful wooden floor and set up paints on the floor. Sometimes for a reason such as maybe for a Roller Derby team to race and so forth. It hides any format I have listed and you cannot tell the inseam at all if that was the case. It is growing trend rinks are doing this to attract skaters to skate instead of seeing the standard clear-coated wood floors. It can be mistaken for Concrete floor. It is not. Usually it is thick polyurethane coated with a certain color. Blue and Sky-Blue tend to be popular. It sure does look like ice! But it is not.
Plank Format
Too rare that a rink would have planks or sheet of wood lay down on the rink. In my research, so far, only two rinks as of mid August 2020 that has plank format that were sheets. Yes, sheet of wood. Quite odd for a rink. They would have a sheet or two layers of Maple or much harder wood to lay down. This is not the norm for a rink to have. It is like having carpet of wood on the rink. Its easier to replace with studs instead of sheets.
This was at Rainbow Rollerland in Florida.
Too rare that a rink would have planks or sheet of wood lay down on the rink. In my research, so far, only two rinks as of mid August 2020 that has plank format that were sheets. Yes, sheet of wood. Quite odd for a rink. They would have a sheet or two layers of Maple or much harder wood to lay down. This is not the norm for a rink to have. It is like having carpet of wood on the rink. Its easier to replace with studs instead of sheets.
This was at Rainbow Rollerland in Florida.
Rink Dimensions
The Standard.
Traditionally if you follow a hockey rink format, that would be 200 feet long by 85 feet wide. Most rinks are that size. Some are smaller or narrower for a very few rinks. Rarely it is larger and usually old fashioned rinks of 20th Century (early 20th) rinks have wood floor all throughout the complex and thus, counts as a rink itself unless it has rails dividing actual rink and rest areas. Photo compared to ice hockey rink drafting top view. This is necessary standard if you are going to have Roller Hockey. And space for Roller Derby to be allowed skate off their standard rink. Photo represents NHL standards. Olympics is 100 by 200 (sometimes 220).
Traditionally if you follow a hockey rink format, that would be 200 feet long by 85 feet wide. Most rinks are that size. Some are smaller or narrower for a very few rinks. Rarely it is larger and usually old fashioned rinks of 20th Century (early 20th) rinks have wood floor all throughout the complex and thus, counts as a rink itself unless it has rails dividing actual rink and rest areas. Photo compared to ice hockey rink drafting top view. This is necessary standard if you are going to have Roller Hockey. And space for Roller Derby to be allowed skate off their standard rink. Photo represents NHL standards. Olympics is 100 by 200 (sometimes 220).
Roller Derby-Flat Track
This is smaller track than the hockey standard and follows same size as the original track-the banked track that the old Roller Derby had used from 1940s to 1980s. The flat track is used from 2000s to present.
This is smaller track than the hockey standard and follows same size as the original track-the banked track that the old Roller Derby had used from 1940s to 1980s. The flat track is used from 2000s to present.
Athletes-style Track
This is a race track style. Much bigger than the hockey rink format. Seen your high school track? Roughly that size. Maybe slight smaller perhaps. I do know of a place that has indoor race track on a college campus and that is at the Dome in Syracuse, NY. Roughly there. See the photo of another skating rink I could not find where. But that is the point I was making. This one is made with Roller Court flooring.
This is a race track style. Much bigger than the hockey rink format. Seen your high school track? Roughly that size. Maybe slight smaller perhaps. I do know of a place that has indoor race track on a college campus and that is at the Dome in Syracuse, NY. Roughly there. See the photo of another skating rink I could not find where. But that is the point I was making. This one is made with Roller Court flooring.
Speed Skating Track
This is a race track with banks/or without banks and can be much larger. Designed for Speed Skating similar to Speed Ice Skating you commonly seen in Olympic Games. Large oval track. Very similar to the small-scale Athletics-Style Track explained above. It can be flat track as well. And designed for inline Skates. It is excellent for speed ice skaters to practice during summer using inline skates so they can feel the similarities to ice skate blades.
This is a race track with banks/or without banks and can be much larger. Designed for Speed Skating similar to Speed Ice Skating you commonly seen in Olympic Games. Large oval track. Very similar to the small-scale Athletics-Style Track explained above. It can be flat track as well. And designed for inline Skates. It is excellent for speed ice skaters to practice during summer using inline skates so they can feel the similarities to ice skate blades.
Skateboard Park
Designed for skateboards originally but also can be for skaters to use. Usually it has a swimming pool style banking, curves, and rounded edges with surface to make it safer and smoother for boarders, surfers, and skaters to use. Common found outdoors but it can be indoors. Usually concrete but indoors it can be wood floors if desired by the owner(s).
This park shown is from Los Angeles. California is famous and home of the Skateboards where surfers married their surfboards or scooters and roller skates wheels together. Local governments built those because they want to encourage skaters and boarders and surfers to use them instead of public street where liability is noted. Insurance reasons, safety reasons, traffic-both motor vehicles and foot can interfere.
Roller Skating Rinks should heed notice the need to have an area for their skateboard fans. One roller rink still in business has skateboard park including in its daily operations at a former factory in Syracuse, NY. Smart move!
Designed for skateboards originally but also can be for skaters to use. Usually it has a swimming pool style banking, curves, and rounded edges with surface to make it safer and smoother for boarders, surfers, and skaters to use. Common found outdoors but it can be indoors. Usually concrete but indoors it can be wood floors if desired by the owner(s).
This park shown is from Los Angeles. California is famous and home of the Skateboards where surfers married their surfboards or scooters and roller skates wheels together. Local governments built those because they want to encourage skaters and boarders and surfers to use them instead of public street where liability is noted. Insurance reasons, safety reasons, traffic-both motor vehicles and foot can interfere.
Roller Skating Rinks should heed notice the need to have an area for their skateboard fans. One roller rink still in business has skateboard park including in its daily operations at a former factory in Syracuse, NY. Smart move!
Popular Accessories at Rinks through History
High-Wire Spool Benches
They were popular at many rinks. Usually carpeted. They would normally set those near two main areas: lockers and rink. Common from 1960s to 2000s.
They are shaped like high-wire spools that you seen on the side of the road when you drove by your power utility company's trucks putting up updated wires. However, the dimension is not the same and they may have gotten the spool ends and added concrete as a trunk base. Some are round but some are square. Usually round. Noticed teens and boys and a girl are sitting in the red spool style benches? My, what a crowd at that rink at the time. Looks late 1970s. Each rink has own carpet to cover to match their floor.
This rink was at Skate City in Denver, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Retrospace.org and RSROA
They were popular at many rinks. Usually carpeted. They would normally set those near two main areas: lockers and rink. Common from 1960s to 2000s.
They are shaped like high-wire spools that you seen on the side of the road when you drove by your power utility company's trucks putting up updated wires. However, the dimension is not the same and they may have gotten the spool ends and added concrete as a trunk base. Some are round but some are square. Usually round. Noticed teens and boys and a girl are sitting in the red spool style benches? My, what a crowd at that rink at the time. Looks late 1970s. Each rink has own carpet to cover to match their floor.
This rink was at Skate City in Denver, Colorado. Photo courtesy of Retrospace.org and RSROA
Yellow rounded picnic tables
Yellow rounded picnic tables with yellow benches. Many rinks also had those tables and benches as a rest area of the facilities. They held different purposes than the snack-bar area which were standard fast-food booth benches and tables. Common in 1970s to 1990s. They even have several colors but yellow tend to be the color to order for the rinks like this one in Buffalo, NY and Sports-O-Rama had it too.
Yellow rounded picnic tables with yellow benches. Many rinks also had those tables and benches as a rest area of the facilities. They held different purposes than the snack-bar area which were standard fast-food booth benches and tables. Common in 1970s to 1990s. They even have several colors but yellow tend to be the color to order for the rinks like this one in Buffalo, NY and Sports-O-Rama had it too.
Fast-Food Booths.
Those booths are still very popular in skating rinks, fast food restaurants, fast casuals, pizza shops, ice cream shops, and casual restaurants. Also at ice rinks, sports arenas/stadiums, and more. Many rinks had their choice of colors to match to their facilities. More common are Yellow though. Rarely Blues, Reds... Orange, and many more. Avocado green? Never know what color they had back in 1960s. Common in 1960s to present day. Usually hard surface, no padded seating. Older versions had padded seats as they were evolving from 1950s Diner-style dinettes you still can find at Denny's, Perkins, and other Diners and chain restaurants today. Usually faux wood laminated tabletops. I have been to every single rink except for one in Fulton, NY to have that kind of bench booths. Newer rinks have it plain looking laminated to match the benches or different color to it.
Those booths are still very popular in skating rinks, fast food restaurants, fast casuals, pizza shops, ice cream shops, and casual restaurants. Also at ice rinks, sports arenas/stadiums, and more. Many rinks had their choice of colors to match to their facilities. More common are Yellow though. Rarely Blues, Reds... Orange, and many more. Avocado green? Never know what color they had back in 1960s. Common in 1960s to present day. Usually hard surface, no padded seating. Older versions had padded seats as they were evolving from 1950s Diner-style dinettes you still can find at Denny's, Perkins, and other Diners and chain restaurants today. Usually faux wood laminated tabletops. I have been to every single rink except for one in Fulton, NY to have that kind of bench booths. Newer rinks have it plain looking laminated to match the benches or different color to it.
Cinderblock half-walls
Those walls bordered skating rinks. Similar to what a hockey rink would do to keep their players and the puck in. Same concept. Roller Hockey uses the same. But for common roller rinks, it was concrete or cinderblocks half-walls. Same photo displayed here as it was for spool benches and one below-the globe lights.
Many rinks had those walls and they still do for those rinks still in operations. Many had to put it up because of insurance policies requires that they put such walls up. A far cry from rinks of the past that they did not have any walls at all. This was according to a skate rink owner back in 1990s who told me why he had to built his after his insurance company made him to built his. He did not want those walls. Taken at Skate City, Denver Colorado., Courtesy of RSROA and Retrospace.org. Practically all rinks I visited has or had those walls. Common from 1950s to present.
Those walls bordered skating rinks. Similar to what a hockey rink would do to keep their players and the puck in. Same concept. Roller Hockey uses the same. But for common roller rinks, it was concrete or cinderblocks half-walls. Same photo displayed here as it was for spool benches and one below-the globe lights.
Many rinks had those walls and they still do for those rinks still in operations. Many had to put it up because of insurance policies requires that they put such walls up. A far cry from rinks of the past that they did not have any walls at all. This was according to a skate rink owner back in 1990s who told me why he had to built his after his insurance company made him to built his. He did not want those walls. Taken at Skate City, Denver Colorado., Courtesy of RSROA and Retrospace.org. Practically all rinks I visited has or had those walls. Common from 1950s to present.
"PVC Pipe Walkers"
That is what most skaters calls them. They are helpers. Or PVC roller Skate Trainer. Or some rinks call them Skate Mates. But some rinks say it differently on their websites. Yes, they are made of PVC pipes with skate wheels on the bottom. Usually for beginners. They sure do function similar to what seniors use when they walk with the walkers. This is where the nickname came from. Not mean to be offensive, but I like the ice rink helpers better. They have animals on them such as penguin walkers or ice skating aids.
That is what most skaters calls them. They are helpers. Or PVC roller Skate Trainer. Or some rinks call them Skate Mates. But some rinks say it differently on their websites. Yes, they are made of PVC pipes with skate wheels on the bottom. Usually for beginners. They sure do function similar to what seniors use when they walk with the walkers. This is where the nickname came from. Not mean to be offensive, but I like the ice rink helpers better. They have animals on them such as penguin walkers or ice skating aids.
Go-Kart Size Skate
They are larger than life size skates which is driven around by a gas powered or electric powered go-kart. You just sit in and they will be moved around at the rink. They use those at the parades sometimes.
They also can be a kart similar to the famous little red wagon. Just converted to a skate. This was part of Bobby's Rollaway. It is presently displayed at a restaurant where Bobby's used to be. That is only thing left of Bobby's.
They are larger than life size skates which is driven around by a gas powered or electric powered go-kart. You just sit in and they will be moved around at the rink. They use those at the parades sometimes.
They also can be a kart similar to the famous little red wagon. Just converted to a skate. This was part of Bobby's Rollaway. It is presently displayed at a restaurant where Bobby's used to be. That is only thing left of Bobby's.
Larger than life-Size Skate
They are larger than life size skates which is driven around by a gas powered automobile converted to a skate large enough to be seen in parades and storefront or front yard for skaters to see and come in to skate. The tires are not quite the same size as the skate wheels unless they scaled to correctly. Some of them out there truly successfully designed and built to true dimension and scale. Sometimes electric powered.
This was at Landmark Pensacola Rink, FL. (Photo courtesy at same rink).
They are larger than life size skates which is driven around by a gas powered automobile converted to a skate large enough to be seen in parades and storefront or front yard for skaters to see and come in to skate. The tires are not quite the same size as the skate wheels unless they scaled to correctly. Some of them out there truly successfully designed and built to true dimension and scale. Sometimes electric powered.
This was at Landmark Pensacola Rink, FL. (Photo courtesy at same rink).
Lights and Flashes
Starburst Lights (Sometimes called Spider Lights)
They are the most popular form of lights at many roller rink. Usually centered with a diamond ball globe. Lights move to the beat. 1960s to present. Some rinks would have it customized design to make it more spidery look that stretches out rather than the burst look. Sometimes they change the layout on the ceilings.
They are the most popular form of lights at many roller rink. Usually centered with a diamond ball globe. Lights move to the beat. 1960s to present. Some rinks would have it customized design to make it more spidery look that stretches out rather than the burst look. Sometimes they change the layout on the ceilings.
1970s Light Globes (or Balls)
They were popular everywhere-indoors and outdoors used for parking lot lights, street lights, and even indoors like at the roller rinks. Usually in different colors. For decorative purposes or uses as flashing disco lights. Used as pendant. Common in 1960s to early 1980s. Sometimes as wall pendant.
You can see very clearly up close in this same photo I showed earlier about the stool. This photo is excellent example of what 1970s skating was like. Anyway, those globes were spotted everywhere on the ceiling in this rink. Taken at Skate City, Denver Colorado., Courtesy of RSROA and Retrospace.org
They were popular everywhere-indoors and outdoors used for parking lot lights, street lights, and even indoors like at the roller rinks. Usually in different colors. For decorative purposes or uses as flashing disco lights. Used as pendant. Common in 1960s to early 1980s. Sometimes as wall pendant.
You can see very clearly up close in this same photo I showed earlier about the stool. This photo is excellent example of what 1970s skating was like. Anyway, those globes were spotted everywhere on the ceiling in this rink. Taken at Skate City, Denver Colorado., Courtesy of RSROA and Retrospace.org
Diamond Ball or known as Mirrored Balls
Common throughout the history of roller skating and dancing. Ball of mirror squares and can be stationary or rotating with spot lights, white or colored, to shine on. Usually for slow dances. Or slow skating with romantic music. Another name would be mirror ball as it is also called diamond ball. It is not diamond but the reflexive of it does. It is actually mirror pieces.
Common throughout the history of roller skating and dancing. Ball of mirror squares and can be stationary or rotating with spot lights, white or colored, to shine on. Usually for slow dances. Or slow skating with romantic music. Another name would be mirror ball as it is also called diamond ball. It is not diamond but the reflexive of it does. It is actually mirror pieces.
Danish style Mid-Century "Flying Saucer" pendants
Shaped like a UFO or a flying saucer. Usually in a color of its own. Common over the rinks in 1950s to early 1970s. It was modernism, Googie, and was in theme with Atomic Age and because of the wide spread of UFOs in the news since Roswell (New Mexico) and K. Arnold seeing "Flying Saucers" in the Northwest US that both were seen in 1947. Since this was space age, the lamps were popular.
Notice a couple of black and a couple of orange Danish-style modern "UFO" light pendant as seen at Wyandotte Skateland in Kansas (Now Skate City, Kansas City). Dang, that shaggy carpet on the rails! Yes, they even had exposed sharp bricks for rails at some rinks like this one! And that airport/commercial jet style sign saying, "No smoking"! Photo courtesy of Skate Magazine, winter edition, 1974.
Shaped like a UFO or a flying saucer. Usually in a color of its own. Common over the rinks in 1950s to early 1970s. It was modernism, Googie, and was in theme with Atomic Age and because of the wide spread of UFOs in the news since Roswell (New Mexico) and K. Arnold seeing "Flying Saucers" in the Northwest US that both were seen in 1947. Since this was space age, the lamps were popular.
Notice a couple of black and a couple of orange Danish-style modern "UFO" light pendant as seen at Wyandotte Skateland in Kansas (Now Skate City, Kansas City). Dang, that shaggy carpet on the rails! Yes, they even had exposed sharp bricks for rails at some rinks like this one! And that airport/commercial jet style sign saying, "No smoking"! Photo courtesy of Skate Magazine, winter edition, 1974.
Roof Styles
Curved/Arched (Not Quonset Hut)
This type is arched, curved roof that are usually common in commercial buildings although today, more and more post-modern homes have Googie style Curved roof. Or whatever style it is. It is a little bit similar to shed and Skillion roof forms. But it is arched from wall to wall. Levittown is one example of Curved roof. Best for inclement weather patterns such as heavy rain and heavy snow. Excellent also for high winds to reduce drag coefficient which reduces roof damages. Common with rinks pre-1960s. Not to be confused with Quonset Huts because they are from ground to ground arched. This format with curved or arched is from wall to wall that are vertical. See photo and compare to Quonset Hut information (see below). The photo showing Alexandria Arena in Alexandria, Virginia.
This type is arched, curved roof that are usually common in commercial buildings although today, more and more post-modern homes have Googie style Curved roof. Or whatever style it is. It is a little bit similar to shed and Skillion roof forms. But it is arched from wall to wall. Levittown is one example of Curved roof. Best for inclement weather patterns such as heavy rain and heavy snow. Excellent also for high winds to reduce drag coefficient which reduces roof damages. Common with rinks pre-1960s. Not to be confused with Quonset Huts because they are from ground to ground arched. This format with curved or arched is from wall to wall that are vertical. See photo and compare to Quonset Hut information (see below). The photo showing Alexandria Arena in Alexandria, Virginia.
Quonset Hut
This type is arched, curved from ground to ground. Like the curved or arched but it is from ground to ground. Many rinks of yesteryear had Quonset Hut style building which was built easier to avoid any substantial structure support in the middle such as a post. Instead, they are supported on each side. See photo of the structure. Common from 1930s to 1960s. This was a possible location of a rink in Florida as seen in the photo. This is a true classic Quonset Hut building.
This type is arched, curved from ground to ground. Like the curved or arched but it is from ground to ground. Many rinks of yesteryear had Quonset Hut style building which was built easier to avoid any substantial structure support in the middle such as a post. Instead, they are supported on each side. See photo of the structure. Common from 1930s to 1960s. This was a possible location of a rink in Florida as seen in the photo. This is a true classic Quonset Hut building.
Flat
This is most common today for any commercial builders to built for stores, businesses, malls, hospitals, gas stations, plazas, including both ice and roller rinks. To compare. Sports-O-Rama had flat roof. Cheapest because of no gable roof design. The more pitch it does, the more expensive it is. the problem with this design is not advisable for heavy rain and heavy snow areas due to leakages. Many rinks had this common problems. Common design from 1950s on. This photo is former Axel Roller Rink in Niles. The appearance looked very similar to a shopping mall. It style was basically common for 1970s.
This is most common today for any commercial builders to built for stores, businesses, malls, hospitals, gas stations, plazas, including both ice and roller rinks. To compare. Sports-O-Rama had flat roof. Cheapest because of no gable roof design. The more pitch it does, the more expensive it is. the problem with this design is not advisable for heavy rain and heavy snow areas due to leakages. Many rinks had this common problems. Common design from 1950s on. This photo is former Axel Roller Rink in Niles. The appearance looked very similar to a shopping mall. It style was basically common for 1970s.
Gable
Gable is most common in homes, churches, and other commercial buildings globally ever since before Christ. It is depends on how much pitch. The higher pitch, the more it becomes Pyramid-ic roof it will be. However, Gable is from one end to another end. Rare. Was more common in pre-WWI. However, Gable still in practice at some newer rinks that are built with warehouse-style that has steel trusses and steel walls.
This is a Google map showing where the former Boonville, NY Rollaway was located.
Gable is most common in homes, churches, and other commercial buildings globally ever since before Christ. It is depends on how much pitch. The higher pitch, the more it becomes Pyramid-ic roof it will be. However, Gable is from one end to another end. Rare. Was more common in pre-WWI. However, Gable still in practice at some newer rinks that are built with warehouse-style that has steel trusses and steel walls.
This is a Google map showing where the former Boonville, NY Rollaway was located.
Open
This is usually means it has a roof but no walls. Just posts. A few examples: Cass Park, Brooklyn Bridge Pier 2, and Thorton Park--the latter 2 are from Brooklyn, NY have open walls roof structure. It is a canopy type. Depends on what design they used. For instance, Cass Park has multi-layer roof design that looked more like an armadillo. 2010s and on. Each place may have its own style of roof but has open format by having wall less exposing to outdoors elements.
This is an open space at a rink in Brooklyn, NY.
This is usually means it has a roof but no walls. Just posts. A few examples: Cass Park, Brooklyn Bridge Pier 2, and Thorton Park--the latter 2 are from Brooklyn, NY have open walls roof structure. It is a canopy type. Depends on what design they used. For instance, Cass Park has multi-layer roof design that looked more like an armadillo. 2010s and on. Each place may have its own style of roof but has open format by having wall less exposing to outdoors elements.
This is an open space at a rink in Brooklyn, NY.
There are several others with combinations, oddities, etc but will not explain that because basically those five distinctive roofs are most important in skating rink analogy.
Rink Formats (differ than wood/material layouts)
Ball Rooms
Common up to 1960s that many halls, emporiums, arenas, and facilities of its day they used the wooden floor for ballroom dancing, roller skating, figure skating, and couple skating. Dance floor and roller rink in one but not at same time though! Usually it would have a stage for a big band/orchestra. Also it had an organ music. Photo of Celoron Auditorium.
Common up to 1960s that many halls, emporiums, arenas, and facilities of its day they used the wooden floor for ballroom dancing, roller skating, figure skating, and couple skating. Dance floor and roller rink in one but not at same time though! Usually it would have a stage for a big band/orchestra. Also it had an organ music. Photo of Celoron Auditorium.
Standard Roller Rinks
Just for skating. It is still common as a rink especially after 1960 that DJ music and Disco were introduced and today, rock music, rap, country, Christian, etc. Roller Rinks and its name and main purposes were around longer than that though... Goes back before 19th Century.
Photo of Empire Skates in Brooklyn that was the homeplace of modern Roller Skating with DJ music and Roller Disco and more.
Just for skating. It is still common as a rink especially after 1960 that DJ music and Disco were introduced and today, rock music, rap, country, Christian, etc. Roller Rinks and its name and main purposes were around longer than that though... Goes back before 19th Century.
Photo of Empire Skates in Brooklyn that was the homeplace of modern Roller Skating with DJ music and Roller Disco and more.
Duel-Purposes Rinks using same rink
This is growing trend as a dual purpose. Not as like the Ballroom and Roller Rink. It is seasonal rinks. This means in summer time, the rink function as a roller rink but in winter time especially mid-fall to early spring, depends on where, it becomes ice rink. Cass park, Brooklyn Bridge Pier 2 rinks, and few others especially public parks have this function. 1980s and beyond. Rarely before 1980s this occurred.
This is growing trend as a dual purpose. Not as like the Ballroom and Roller Rink. It is seasonal rinks. This means in summer time, the rink function as a roller rink but in winter time especially mid-fall to early spring, depends on where, it becomes ice rink. Cass park, Brooklyn Bridge Pier 2 rinks, and few others especially public parks have this function. 1980s and beyond. Rarely before 1980s this occurred.
Duel-Purposes Rinks with multiple rinks
This is similar to the duel-purposes rinks with same rink but the difference is that some rinks had 2 rinks, one for each purpose-one for roller and the other ice. It was quite rare this occurred. Like the one pictured at All Weather Roll n Ice in Long Island. The building there had two floors. Each floor for a rink. One for ice, the other for roller. Courtesy of Bill-Ketchem.
This is similar to the duel-purposes rinks with same rink but the difference is that some rinks had 2 rinks, one for each purpose-one for roller and the other ice. It was quite rare this occurred. Like the one pictured at All Weather Roll n Ice in Long Island. The building there had two floors. Each floor for a rink. One for ice, the other for roller. Courtesy of Bill-Ketchem.
Events/Night Categories
Family Nights
This clearly described means all ages. From 2 to 102 years old. Anyone can skate. Usually on Friday or Saturday nights. Sometimes in afternoons especially on weekends.
This was at Commack Rink in Long Island. Taken in 1970s.
This clearly described means all ages. From 2 to 102 years old. Anyone can skate. Usually on Friday or Saturday nights. Sometimes in afternoons especially on weekends.
This was at Commack Rink in Long Island. Taken in 1970s.
Adult Skates Night
Meaning that you have to be 17/18 or older to skate depends on rink preferences. Some are 21 if there are alcoholic beverages sold in that facility. Adult Skates Nights are for adults who prefer that slow moving children on training skates not to be on the floor so they can move along faster. And more room for their egos such as to showoff their groove moves. Singles would prefer this kind of event to find their potential mates. Often will play music for adult skaters to the tune of 1970s to 2000s classics. Single Skate Night? Never heard of one but who knows!
Photo courtesy of Skate Zone 71, Columbus, OH.
Meaning that you have to be 17/18 or older to skate depends on rink preferences. Some are 21 if there are alcoholic beverages sold in that facility. Adult Skates Nights are for adults who prefer that slow moving children on training skates not to be on the floor so they can move along faster. And more room for their egos such as to showoff their groove moves. Singles would prefer this kind of event to find their potential mates. Often will play music for adult skaters to the tune of 1970s to 2000s classics. Single Skate Night? Never heard of one but who knows!
Photo courtesy of Skate Zone 71, Columbus, OH.
Ball Room Skate Dancing
This was very common between 1870s and 1960s. For 100 years, ballroom skating including figure skating, waltz, and more that couples or even triples skate together. Usually they dressed up in suits and dresses of its day. Yes, men wore suits with ties and nice slacks. Remember suits back then were like 15 to 25 dollars brand new from Sears and JCPenneys, not Amazon!
This event in the photo at Bal-a-Roue in Medford, MA was a college level event. Yes, college had teams! Eat that fans! Your favorite college team even had ballroom dancing and skate teams danced and skated the night competing for tournaments!
This was very common between 1870s and 1960s. For 100 years, ballroom skating including figure skating, waltz, and more that couples or even triples skate together. Usually they dressed up in suits and dresses of its day. Yes, men wore suits with ties and nice slacks. Remember suits back then were like 15 to 25 dollars brand new from Sears and JCPenneys, not Amazon!
This event in the photo at Bal-a-Roue in Medford, MA was a college level event. Yes, college had teams! Eat that fans! Your favorite college team even had ballroom dancing and skate teams danced and skated the night competing for tournaments!
KIds Skate Sessions
This is focused on children to skate especially under 13 with parents watching and music more tailored for small children. Maybe some singalong and some activities such as chicken dance, play catch, whatever rinks do. Parents are more likely stay and watch or help children skate. Usually found in afternoons/matinee. Photos showing children are not shown for the stake of safety. We believe in the safety so therefore, no facial are shown. If blurred or distance, fine. Anyway, they would also use what people call them, "PVC pipe walkers for skates" There are no official name for that. Rinks would have different names including "walkers", "helpers", "PVC Pipe walkers", "rollers" etc. I call those, "Walkers" which is similar to what seniors use when they have difficult time walking.
This is focused on children to skate especially under 13 with parents watching and music more tailored for small children. Maybe some singalong and some activities such as chicken dance, play catch, whatever rinks do. Parents are more likely stay and watch or help children skate. Usually found in afternoons/matinee. Photos showing children are not shown for the stake of safety. We believe in the safety so therefore, no facial are shown. If blurred or distance, fine. Anyway, they would also use what people call them, "PVC pipe walkers for skates" There are no official name for that. Rinks would have different names including "walkers", "helpers", "PVC Pipe walkers", "rollers" etc. I call those, "Walkers" which is similar to what seniors use when they have difficult time walking.
Teen Nights
Most popular since 1960s that teens have their night away from home. To hangout with friends from school and skate. Others to find someone special... for the prom or whatever... Music to their ears.
Usually on Friday and Saturday nights. Usually age 10 to 17. Courtesy of Skateland of Mesa, AZ.
Most popular since 1960s that teens have their night away from home. To hangout with friends from school and skate. Others to find someone special... for the prom or whatever... Music to their ears.
Usually on Friday and Saturday nights. Usually age 10 to 17. Courtesy of Skateland of Mesa, AZ.
Christian Skate Night.
Christians have their night with Christian music. Usually once a month. Sometimes once a week. Usually during the week like on a Monday or Tuesday rather than weekends because of the market size. And because Christians usually have church on Sunday. Usually sponsored by a Christian radio station and can play music on the radio from the rink.
Christians have their night with Christian music. Usually once a month. Sometimes once a week. Usually during the week like on a Monday or Tuesday rather than weekends because of the market size. And because Christians usually have church on Sunday. Usually sponsored by a Christian radio station and can play music on the radio from the rink.
Roller Derby Events
Roller Derby would be playing at least once a week against another team from another town. Roller Derby were popular at one time back then with banked track but died down and they attempted to revive again in 1970s only to fail however, ever since late 1990s, Roller Derbies are back with at least one team per city. They have leagues. Many leagues. Usually females would be in competitions. Mens? I never seen one. Very few men teams. Even co-eds. Today Roller Derby is very popular. Strongest part of roller skating history today. Photo courtesy of Assault City (Syracuse, NY) Roller Derby. Usually skates with quads.
Roller Derby would be playing at least once a week against another team from another town. Roller Derby were popular at one time back then with banked track but died down and they attempted to revive again in 1970s only to fail however, ever since late 1990s, Roller Derbies are back with at least one team per city. They have leagues. Many leagues. Usually females would be in competitions. Mens? I never seen one. Very few men teams. Even co-eds. Today Roller Derby is very popular. Strongest part of roller skating history today. Photo courtesy of Assault City (Syracuse, NY) Roller Derby. Usually skates with quads.
Roller Hockey Leagues
This is usually at a facility that are not for public skating. But sometimes are found at regular roller rinks. Common in Golden Era then with the re-introduction of In-Line Skates, they are back. In-Line Skates make it easier for skaters to skate with ease than quads. They usually play with a puck or a ball. They would play at a local rink once a week or could be daily or so if they have a roller hockey facility they skate at.
Photo shown of international roller hockey game.
This is usually at a facility that are not for public skating. But sometimes are found at regular roller rinks. Common in Golden Era then with the re-introduction of In-Line Skates, they are back. In-Line Skates make it easier for skaters to skate with ease than quads. They usually play with a puck or a ball. They would play at a local rink once a week or could be daily or so if they have a roller hockey facility they skate at.
Photo shown of international roller hockey game.
Speed Skating
There are two, maybe three kinds. Commonly found at any skating rink which means a short track you see layout at any rinks permanently. The second kind is large track similar to running race track. Third is with banks. Usually occurred when they are not at a skating session. Usually on a night that is not made for pubic skating session. However, rinks will have a speed skate for about five to ten minutes and that is all. They usually use In-Line Skates to use for speed skating. You can see clearly why that is necessary than quads. For angle purposes.
There are two, maybe three kinds. Commonly found at any skating rink which means a short track you see layout at any rinks permanently. The second kind is large track similar to running race track. Third is with banks. Usually occurred when they are not at a skating session. Usually on a night that is not made for pubic skating session. However, rinks will have a speed skate for about five to ten minutes and that is all. They usually use In-Line Skates to use for speed skating. You can see clearly why that is necessary than quads. For angle purposes.
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