Savannah’s roller skating community continues search for roller rink
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah roller skating community has been without a permanent home since Star Castle closed its doors at the end of July after nearly 40 years in business.
SEE: Savannah staple, Star Castle to close its doors after 25 years
Four months later and the derby devils, junior derby, and skating community as a whole have yet to find a new rink to practice and play.
“We really don’t have anywhere for our derby teams to go,” said Hannah Walker, derby mom, and founder of the 912 skating coalition.
She says the skating community has worked tirelessly to find a new place to skate.
“We are willing to do what it takes, refurbish floors, buy a track, anything that would keep these kids skating,” said Walker. “We know that places are out there, we just have to get them on board.”
What originally started as a way to keep Star Castle from closing has now morphed into a way to connect all types of skating communities.
Walker says since the castles closing, the skaters have improvised, holding events in gyms, brewing companies, and the old outside rink at Lake Mayer.
But it isn’t ideal.
“The more people we have interested in skating the more we are taken seriously as a real need for our community,” says Walker.
For the past few months, Thursdays at Lake Mayer are designated for derby practice and all skating to follow. A tradition she says has grown weekly.
It may not be the best place to skate, but it will do for now, as the skating community continues the search.
“Our long term goal is for us to raise enough money for us to find out our space,” said Walker.
According to the 912 skating coalition, they have joined forces with other community partners to host skate nights, roller derby workshops and the most recent installment of their skate and mentorship series.
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