There’s been a lot of chatter on social media from skaters wanting to get their local parks and rec to build a community rink for their residents. While I certainly understand a need to skate, especially if your locality doesn’t have a roller rink, I have yet to see municipalities do a good job with roller skating. I hope it changes, but there are so many variables involved in building and running a rink, that it can end up being a disaster. Here are some things to consider.
Management
A rink is only as good as who runs the place. Those who have put their life savings on the line, or already have a lot of experience with roller rink management, are more likely to be successful. A roller rink is more than the building that contains it. It requires a caring person, who understands innately everything that can go wrong, and how to avoid those scenarios, or at least respond quickly when things do hit the fan. Good managers know their business inside out, their regulars, how to control a crowd, music that appeals to the audience, the importance of keeping the skate surface clean, rental skates, snack bars, and insurance. The best owner/operators are practically always on site, getting to know their customers, and keeping employees motivated.
Customer Service
If you’ve ever had to pay a visit to City Hall for a permit, or other issue, you may notice those employees are not as motivated to serve you, as opposed to the business owner who enjoys seeing you on a regular basis. I’ve never felt like a member of the family when I go to City Hall to pay my taxes. But the roller rink owner knows my name whenever I visit my local family-owned skate center.
Bureaucracy and Red Tape
When rink managers need toilet paper and paper cups, they can buy them from where ever they want. With the government, you need to fill out paper work, get a requisition number or other type of authorization, and wait for it to be delivered. I suppose you could go buy it with your own money if you’re in a bind, and then fill out an expense form and wait for an approval and reimbursement. It’s that way with every purchase necessary to operate that involves government oversight. Large corporations do the same thing.
The Music isn’t Free
A government rink may not have the vibe that well-run rinks do. Especially when they discover that ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC will want music licensing fees, and they are not cheap. Therefore, don’t expect to hear a lot of recently released music if you expect to skate “free” at your city-run skating rink.
Outdoor Rinks are Just as Expensive
Few people understand the expense involved and tend to “underestimate” the true costs. It’s more than a concrete slab. You’re going to need a place for visitors to sit down and put on skates, so factor in that expense. It should have a roof or a covering to keep off rain and debris. It needs to be maintained to keep cracks at bay. The project will require a walkway from the parking lot. Walking (or skating) through grass and mud to the rink, tends to lower the mood.
Liability issues
People do get hurt from time to time while roller skating, just like they do with any other activity. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to mitigate these instances, use excellent surveillance, and document any reports of injuries to prevent lawsuits. In many states now, roller rink admission and skating is “at your own risk.” For those that are not, the local government should think twice before building a skating facility that can cost them more than they bargained for.
