Boston and Surrounding Areas - (617) Dorchester/Boston, MA Chez-Vous Disco Rink (aka ...Roller Rink) - 617-825-6877 Norwood, MA Roll-Land - 617-762-6999 Saugus, MA Roller World - 617-231-1111 Waltham, MA Wal-Lex Rollerway - 617-893-7070 Whitman, MA USA Skatetown (aka Skatetown USA) - 617-857-1286 Eastern outside of Boston Area - (508) Beverly/Salem, MA Roller Palace - 508-927-4242 Bradford/Haverhill, MA Skateland (was Bradford Family ...) - 508-372-3050(tape) Concord, MA Valley Sports - 508-369-8100 (seasonal) Fairhaven/New Bedford, MA Carousel Skating - 508-872-8400 Hudson/Worcester, MA Roller Kingdom - 508-562-3440 Lancaster, MA Roll On America - 508-534-8303 Lawrence, MA Roll On America (aka 21st Century Skateland?) - 508-681-8690 Leominster, MA Roll On America - 508-537-4010 Milford, MA Skate Palace - 508-473-6611 Millbury, MA Wheels Roller Skating Center - 508-865-0001 New Bedford, MA Hot Wheels Recreation Center - 508-999-3350 North Oxford, MA Cheap Skate Inc - (closed?) Orange, MA Orange Roller Skating - 508-544-7203 (closed?) Orleans/Cape Code, MA Charles Moore Arena - 508-255-5902 (seasonal) Taunton, MA Highland Heights Roller Skating Rink - 508-824-9363 Silver City Skateland - 508-824-4866 Tyngsboro/Lowell, MA Roller Kingdom (aka Skate 3) - 508-649-3440(tape)/649-3439 Worcester, MA Skylite Roller Skating Center - 508-757-8640 Western and Central - (413) Agawam/Springfield, MA Rollaway Skate Center (aka The Rollaway) - 413-786-4875 Chicopee/Springfield, MA Skate Scene USA Roller Skating Center - 413-593-0433(tape)/593-0434 Hadley/Amherst, MA Interskate 91 North (and On Ramp Skate Shop) - 413-586-8344 Springfield, MA Rialto Roller Skating Rink - 413-732-0259 Wilbraham/Springfield, MA Interskate 91 South - 413-543-4664 Williamstown, MA Roller Magic - 413-458-3659
========================================================================
========================================================================
Massachusetts (617) - Boston and Surrounding Areas
Boston, Cambridge, Plymouth, Quincy
====
Dorchester/Boston, MA 02124-2721
Chez-Vous Disco Rink (aka ...Roller Rink) -
11 Rhoades Street
Rt. 203 & Blue Hill Ave on Rhodes behind Police Station
617-825-6877/265-2623(fax)
Mon-Fri ??:?? PM - ??:?? PM Daily Public Skating
Fri 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Gospel Night?
Sat noon - 3:00 PM Family Time (12 & under)
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM Family Time (13 & over)
8:00 PM - midnite Raggae & Hip-Hop (13 & over)
Sun 8:00 PM - midnite Adult Night (21 & over w/ID)
*** probably more daytime/evening sessions than listed call
**** See the neighborhood/rink saftey note in the overview posting
[ grr ]
Chez Vous is mentioned often in Boston newspapers, both because of
problems at the rink and because, for a long time, it was the home of
Rev. Bruce Wall's youth ministry and tends to get mentioned anytime
youth/gang problems in the Boston area are discussed. The owners
continue to emphasize the community service aspect, and it is also
the only remaining urban Boston skating rink.
Rev. Wall ran his ministray at the rink from roughly 1989 to 1992,
when a change in managment at the rink led to a falling out, and he
moved to a nearby building housing the local police station. One
of the frequently mentioned features of the ministry was an exhibit
in the rink knows as "the Wall", a list of victims of gang/youth
violence maintained as a memorial and reminder.
In January 1994, there was a shooting incident where some gunmen entered
the rink during a public session and injured 6 customers. In a separate
incident in November 1994, a teenager was fatally stabbed outside the
rink, after the rink closed early due to an altercation inside.
The rink had closed after the first incident, then reopened after the
owner installed metal detectors and hired more bouncers, but he said
that they hadn't expected the altercation to continue outside the rink
and that police from the nearby station had been slow in arriving.
This doesn't mean that skating at the rink, especially the adult night
is particularly unsafe, however the rink serves a troubled community
and problems can arise.
See http://www.quikpage.com/C/chezvous/index.html for current info.
[ fwheel@ace.com (Fwheel) ]
Without going into the reasons why, or how, something like this [shooting]
occured at a roller rink, I would like to give those in charge of Chez-Vous
as well as those who go to the rink a little credit.
While most, if not all other rinks have closed and sold out to profit!,
Chez-Vous remains. People outside the community may have little appreciation
for it, but a rink that brings in 200+ many nights is clearly an asset to us.
Spinoff [another downtown Boston rink] had metal detectors years before
Chez-Vous, not to mention its share of violence and shootings. While
Spinoff was truely on of the greatest rinks ever, it's gone. Chez-Vous
re-opens saturday the 30th, metal detectors in place.
[ fwheel@ace.com (Fwheel) - responding to a request for more information ]
Ok here we go! You did ask... Chez-Vous cannot easily be described or
classified but I will do what I can.
1. The adult session is the only one I go to so unless you are
18+ [21+?] I can't help. It's Sunday's at 8:30.
2. As long as you're there to skate!!! you will have no problem -
everyone is there for a good time.
3. The rink is wood floor, a bit small and there are poles separating
the outside (fast) from the inside (freestyle, whatever) - also
the wood is hard fast and rarely coated with that sticky stuff,
depends what you like I guess.
4. As for the sound - well if your windows are down anywhere inside
Rt 128 you should hear it.
As for facilities - this is a skater's rink, not much in the way of
video games, fuzzy toy machines etc.
5. If you have to ask about the neighborhood it will probably scare
you, but please try not to pre-judge the people of Dorchester, etc.
there's all ethnic groups over there and most are decent.
Anyone who wants to come but might be a bit apprehensive should arrive
early, there is no parking lot so the closer you get to the door the
better you may feel. Also I think the lockers fill pretty quick.
The rink is located directly behind the police station (with matching
doughnut shop) right at Gallivan Blvd (Rt 203) and Blue Hill Ave on
Rhodes St. - it's most of the block.
If anyone wants more info they can E-mail to fwheel@ace.com. Give the
place a chance. Thanks.
[ NILEITA@mln.lib.ma.us (Nileita Williams) ]
I think the DJ's at Chez Vous are the BEST in any facility I've skated.
Requests aren't acknowledged but there really is no need for special
requests. These DJs are aware of the mood, the skaters and what they
(skaters) would like to listen and dance-skate to. These young adults
and many of the older crowd come to skate and fellowship sort of like
an end of the weekend topper.
[ NILEITA@mln.lib.ma.us (Nileita Williams) - update ]
Chez Vous of Dorchester/Mattapan has gone high tech. They have a
new sound system and the music is still good if not better than ever.
They continue to play the latest R&B, Rap and Raggae. Their music
selection is by far the best within the Boston/West/South and East
of all the rinks.
The snack bar has been remodeled and you can buy chicken in the basket,
fries, hamburgers....a meal if you will. Now for the latest; they've
installed about 10-12 TV monitors all lined above the rink entrance
and when you don't feel like skating you can watch anything from the
sports channel to the Disney channel. I believe there are 2 or 3
monitors in the snack area as well. They still cater to the kiddies
and a few riding toys are still available.
The adult night (Sunday 8-12) is ongoing and still provides a good end
of the week session for anyone who loves to skate. I hadn't been in a
while but I think I'll be going a lot more frequently; it's such a
good session and you just cannot get to dance-skate to the music that
this rink features in any of the other rinks in the area.
====
Norwood, MA 02062-1066
Roll-Land
942 Boston-Providence Highway - US 1
Norwood is located in eastern Massachusetts, about 15 miles southwest
of Boston. From I-95/Rt 128, get off at exit 15B - US 1 - Norwood.
Head south on US 1 for about 3-1/2 miles, then take the Dean Street
jug-handle to cross to the northbound side of US 1. Roll-Land is
just after the gas station.
617-762-6999
Wed 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic - Live Organ Music
Thurs 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Family - Organ Music Tapes
Fri 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Sat 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Family - Organ Music Tapes
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sun 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic - Live Organ Music
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Maple Floor - about 170' x 70'
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
Roll-Land is an "old time" type of rink, and tries to cater to
artistic skaters, so even at a sunday night session, there will
be two or three "dance sets" where the organ music is played and
folks who know the dances will do them.
The floor dimensions are something like 170'x70', the floor is
"rock" maple, and in many ways is the best floor in the northeast.
However, some recent water damage has left some rather large
"moguls" in the far corner.
[ blpiazza@aol.com (Barry Piazza) ]
Sunday and Wednesday - 5 sets of dance through gold medal level and a few
international dances, live organist - Margie Patten - She is very good.
Thursday and Saturday - These are more family sessions but they do have
3 dance sets comprised mostly of bronze level dances and about 5 silver
dances, live organist.
[ Melynee@aol.com - edited ]
Just to add a "toot" for Margie Patten. She plays at Norwood on Wednesday
and Sunday evenings. Not only is her timing more precise than the cassette
player with "canned" music, she plays contempory music as well as old-time
favorites and easily segues into new tunes without missing a beat! On
the other organ music days, they play tapes.
====
Saugus, MA 01906-1906
Roller World
425 Broadway - US 1
Saugus is located in eastern Massachusetts, about 8 miles northeast
of Boston. From I-95/Rt 128, get off at exit 44 - US 1 - Boston, and
head south on US 1 towards Boston, for about 2 miles. The rink should
be near the Rt 129 interchange and is behind a Pizza Hut and KFC.
617-231-1111
Tues 10:00 AM - Noon Adult Morning Session
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic Session - Live organ music
Thurs 10:00 AM - Noon Adult Morning Session
8:30 PM - 11:00 PM Adult Session
Wood Floor - about 180' x 80'
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
The floor is about 180'x80' and is pecan or beech.
I don't have the full session schedule, but I know that there is
an artistic session on Tuesday nights.
[ blpiazza@aol.com (Barry Piazza) - edited ]
Tuesday - 3 or 4 sets of dances of at least thru silver level and
possibly some gold, live organist.
[ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) ]
Thursday night [adult] session Roller World in Saugus.
[ Mary Pyche ]
The Saugus rink has the best sessions in the U.S. for "old" skaters.
Tuesday and Thursday mornings, ex-artistic skaters from the 1940s and
upwards skate and practice to organ music. They were featured on TV
about a years ago. It's an incredible and wonderful thing to see.
They get about 50 people per session. Some skaters are even in their 80s.
[ aboulanger@ldgo.columbia.edu (Albert Boulanger) - edited ]
Saugus has a nice floor, with an all-age session on Thursday that was
once an adult session.
====
Waltham, MA 02154
Wal-Lex Rollerway
814 Lexington Street
617-893-7070
Fri 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sat 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
RSA Member Rink
This location is both a bowling alley and roller rink. The roller rink
hours are rather limited.
====
Whitman, MA 02382-1729
USA Skatetown (aka Skatetown USA)
1055 Auburn Street
617-857-1286
Tues 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Ladies Night
Wed 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Fri 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
7:30 PM - midnight
Sat 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
7:30 PM - midnite
Sun 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Arstisic, JO and Speed Clubs
According to the attendent the sessions are all-ages, with mostly top-40
music. On Ladies night, women skate free and men pay extra...
This rink made the national news in January 1996 when an entryway roof
collapsed under a heavy snow load, injuring several people. The damage
wasn't major and the rink was to reopen shortly.
========================================================================
Massachusetts (508) - Eastern outside of Boston Area
Fall River, Framingham, Lowell, New Bedford, Worchester
====
Beverly/Salem, MA 01915-5536
Roller Palace
130 Sohier Road
Beverly is located in eastern Massachusetts about 16 miles northeast
of Boston. From Boston, take I-95 to Rt 128, and then head east on
Rt 128 towards Beverly. Get off at exit 19 - Sohier/Brimbal Road and
head south on Sohier into Beverly. The rink should be somewhere along
Sohier, probably near the interchange end.
508-927-4242
Thurs 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM Artistic Session
Hardwood Floor - 180'x80'
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Artistic, JO and Speed Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
I believe this rink has a wood floor, probably pecan or beech.
[ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) ]
Monday night [adult?] session at the rink in Beverly.
[ RSKATE@aol.com (Bob Comeau) - edited ]
I teach at the rink in Beverly, which has a 180x80 hardwood floor with
roll-on coating. We always are open to people coming to the artistic
practice sessions. Usually the first time is as a guest, after that we
ask that you pay the practice fee like everyone else. We have practice
on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We also have an artistic
session on Thursday evenings. Any questions leave me a note.
====
Bradford/Haverhill, MA 01835-7228
Skateland (was Bradford Family ...)
19 Railroad Avenue
Bradford is located in northeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles
north of Boston. From I-495, get off at exit 49 - River Street and
head east on River Street for about 1-1/2 miles to a traffic light
just after the White Hen. Turn right at the light and cross the
river on the Gozelian Bridge, then make the first right, before the
railroad underpass, onto Railroad Avenue. The rink is on the right,
just after a gas station.
508-372-3050(tape)
Wed 10:00 PM - 12:00 PM Adult daytime skate
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM After school skate
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Thurs 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic Session
Fri 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Top-40
Sat 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM tiny tot
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM kids
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Top-40
Sun 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM kids
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Adult Nite
Coated Concrete Floor - about 180 x 80
"Rink Safe" In-Lines permitted
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS JO Club
[ Mary Pyche ]
Skating has been done on this site since the 1950s. The interior was
extensively renovated from June to October 1995. Has bright, colorful,
modern, youth-oriented decor. White plastic coated concrete floor
measures 80 x 180. Top 40 music. Disco lighting for special numbers
and a smoke machine. Birthday area for pre-arranged parties. Strict
rules for safety.
[ Mary and her husband are the owners of this rink ]
====
Concord, MA 01742-3814
Valley Sports
2320 Main Street
508-369-8100
Seasonal
This is a seasonal operation that has two ice rinks, but operates one
of them as a roller rink during the summer months.
====
Fairhaven/New Bedford, MA
Carousel
4 David Drown Boulevard
Fairhaven is located in south coastal Massachusetts, across the river
from New Bedford. From I-195, get off at exit 17 - Sconticut Neck
Road - Fairhaven, and head south towards Fairhaven for about a mile.
Just after the US 6 interchange, make the first right onto David Drown
Boulevard. The rink is right across from the Chowder House.
508-872-8400
All sessions are open skating, call for information
Maple Floor - about 175' x 75'
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
The floor is about 175'x75' and is rock maple, and was in wonderful
condition the last time I skated there.
====
Hudson/Worcester, MA 01749-1325
Roller Kingdom
5 Highland Park Avenue
Hudson is located in central Massachusetts, about 15 miles northeast of
Worcester. From I-495, get off at exit 26 - Rt 62 - Hudson and head east
on Rt 62 for about a mile. After passing Heritage Mall, turn right
onto Highland Park Avenue, the rink should be right at the intersection.
508-562-3440
Tues 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Adult Organ Music/Artistic
Wed 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM Adult-18 Top-40/Rock
Small Wooden Floor - about 160' x 60'
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Aritist, JO and Hockey Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
This rink has a very small (160'x60'?) and very slippery floor.
They say it is wood, but it's hard to tell under the very thick
plastic coating.
They have a small to medium artistic club, and have an artistic
session on Thursday, and a very full schedule of public sessions.
They were also installing lasar tag the last time I was there.
[ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) ]
There is a Wednesday night session at Roller Kindgdom.
[ I called the rink and they gave the Tuesday as the Artistic/Organ ]
[ music session - I'd suggest calling to double check before going. ]
[ aboulanger@ldgo.columbia.edu (Albert Boulanger) - edited ]
There is also a Roller Kingdom in Hudson MA, but a lot of the adult
skaters there are hitting Tyngsboro.
====
Lancaster, MA 01523
Roll On America
Route 2 Exit 24
508-534-8303
====
Lawrence, MA 01843-3726
Roll On America (aka 21st Century Skateland?)
654 South Union Street
508-681-8690
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs
====
Leominster, MA 01453
Roll On America
Located just off or Rt 2 exit 34 or in Leominster.
Leominster is located in central Massachusetts, about 20 miles north
of Worchester. From I-195, where I-195 merges with Rt 2, you want to
head east on Rt 2, away from Leominster and get off at the first exit,
exit 34. The rink should be in the immediate vicinity.
508-537-4010
Wed 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Mostly Adults - Top-40/requests
Coated Concrete Floor
IAPAA Member
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) - edited ]
This is a "party" rink. They have laser tag, miniature golf, an arcade
and an animatronic band in the snack bar. The floor is concrete with
a roll-on coating.
====
Milford, MA 01757-3273
Skate Palace
110 South Main Street
Milford is located in southern Massachusetts, between Worchester and
Boston. From I-495, get off at exit 20 - Rt 85 - Milford, and head
south towards Milford. Follow Rt 85 into Milford till it ends at
Rt 16 - Main Street. Turn right at the traffic light to head east
on Main Street. Follow Main Street until you get to a set of traffic
lights in front of a large church, and turn left there onto South Main
Street. Follow South Main for about 1-1/2 miles, the rink is located
on the right, just after a Chinese restaurant.
508-473-6611
Wed 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Artistic Session
Sun 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Artistic Session
Wood Floor - about 180' x 80'
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
The floor is wood, either pecan or beech, and is about 180'x80'.
Skate palace has a large artistic club, and many of their sessions
are geared toward artistic skaters. Call for schedule.
[ blpiazza@aol.com (Barry Piazza) ]
Sunday and Wedneday - 4 or 5 sets of dances through gold medal and
international plus some freestyle time.
[ NILEITA@mln.lib.ma.us (Nileita Williams) ]
Skate Palace/Milford has a dollar night on Tuesday evening. The music
is generally Top-40 but the DJ's are so accomodating at this rink that
any request you may have is played almost immediately if they have it.
They also have the usual kiddie amusements but overall you can have an
excellent session for three hours on weekend nights - Friday and Saturday.
I was speaking with the manager and he is trying to set up an adult
Top-40 night for future sessions. He has not decided what night this
will take place but it is in the making. I've noticed that the adult
skater numbers are increasing. People are returning to the fold of
quad roller skating.
====
Millbury, MA 01527
Wheels Roller Skating Center
22 Howe Avenue
Millbury is about 8 miles woutheast of Worcester.
508-865-0001
====
New Bedford, MA 02746
Hot Wheels Recreation Center
424 Nash Road
New Bedford is located in south coastal Massachusetts. From I-195,
get off at exit 21 - Rt 18 and head north on Rt 18 for about a half
mile, then turn left onto Nash Road. The rink should be a few blocks
ahead, just after some railroad tracks and before Rt 140.
508-999-3350(business hours)
Wed 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Open Session
Fri 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Open Session
Sat 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Open Session
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Open Session
Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Open Session
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs
According to the attendent, they don't have any specific Adult or
Artistic skating sessions, Adults skate with kids on Wednesday or
Saturday evenings.
However, the rink does host an annual artistic event, described as
either a seminar weekend, mini-skate camp or Halloween bash!
This event scheduled for the weekend before Holloween and includes
seminars on all aspects of artistic skating, group and private lessons,
costume and creative skating events, dance sessions with live organ
music, and an achievement test session. In addition, the rink is open
24-hours during the event!
For additional information contact the rink or the event coordinator
Sherry L. Westgate 508-295-8416.
====
North Oxford, MA 01537
Cheap Skate
Route 12
508-???-????
Closed?
The number is disconnected, and directory assistance doesn't have any
other listing.
====
Orange, MA 01364-1220
Orange Roller Skating
141 East Main Street
508-544-7203
Closed?
The number is also assoicated with the Orange Armory, which is listed
as a Hall Rental. It may not be an active roller skating operation.
====
Orleans/Cape Code, MA 02653
Charles Moore Arena
O'Conner Way
Orleans is about 2/3 of the way out Cape Cod. The rink is not far
from the US 6 / Rt 6 interchange south of Orleans.
508-255-5902
Fri 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Rock Night (9-14 YO)
Seasonal
[ web gleanings ]
Every Friday from mid-September through the end of March, the indoor
roller-skating rink at the Charles Moore Arena features Rock Night
from 8 to 10 PM. Kids ages 9 to 14 can skate while a DJ plays their
rock favorites.
====
Taunton, MA
Highland Heights Roller Skating Rink
4 Woodbine Street
Taunton is located in southeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles south
of Boston. Highland Heights is in the western suburbs of Taunton.
From I-495, get off at exit 17 - Rt 24 and head briefly south on Rt 24,
then get off at exit 13 - US 44 and head west on US 44 towards Taunton.
Follow US 44 into the center of town, then turn right onto Rt 140.
Follow Rt 140 for a few blocks then where Rt 140 turns right onto
Tremont Street, go straight to stay on Washington Street. Follow this
street up past Kilmer and Kearn, then turn right onto Oak street and
left onto Woodbine. Note that it may actually be quicker to go past
Taunton and come in on Rt 140 from the west, but either way it's a
traditional New England tangle of cow paths designated as streets.
508-824-9363
Sun 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Artistic Session
Thurs 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Artistic Session
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
Highland Heights is a "mom & pop" type rink and has been around
for years and years. The floor is said to be small, but I have
not skated there myself, so I can't give any dimensions.
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) - edited ]
Taunton is a medium sized town for Mass, and has two competitive rinks.
One is Highland Heights, a mom & pop rink, with one coach who produces
very showey solo dance skaters...the other is the [in]famous Silver City,
where John Viola teaches, as well as his daughter and her husband.
The feeling among skaters in the region is that you can win nationals
once for whoever you are skating for, and then if you expect to keep
winning, or eventually move into World Class, you *must* go to Silver
City. Given that sentiment, and that *every* rink in this region has
lost skaters to Silver City, I am always awed that Highland Heights
survives, and not only survives, but does extremely well competitively.
I can think of only one skater that they've lost to Silver City.
[ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) ]
Artistic skating dance music - Sunday 7:30 to 9:30, Thursday 7 to 9
This is a small rink in a suburban neighborhood run by an elderly
couple who built the rink 40 years ago. The floor is great and the
rink is almost always empty ... because of ... [Silver City].
[ grr ]
According to the attendent they are usually open Tuesday, Thursday,
Friday and Saturday - most sessions organ music, with Thursday being
the artistic dance night. I'd suggest calling for more detail...
====
Taunton, MA 02780-5050
Silver City Skateland
1 Lawton Ave off Rt 138
Taunton is located in southeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles south
of Boston. Silver City is in the southern suburbs of Taunton. From
I-495, get off at exit 17 - Rt 24 and head briefly south on Rt 24,
then get off at exit 13 - US 44 and head west on US 44 towards Taunton.
Follow US 44 into the center of town, then turn left to head south on
Rt 138. Follow Rt 138 for about two miles, then bear left onto Lawton
Street. The rink should be right at the corner.
508-824-4866
Sun 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Public Artistic Session
*** the rink is open 6 days/week for members and guests, see below
Maple Floor - 190'x90'
Snack Bar
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs
[ harbour@rapnet.sanders.lockheed.com (Susan Harbour) ]
Silver City has the largest floor in the Northeast, 200'x100', and
I believe it is rock maple. Silver CITy boasts of having World Class
national and world champions skating (and teaching) there.
Last time I checked there was virtually no public skating and you
need to be pretty courageous to skate their artistic session.
Silver City, probably the best competitive rink near me. I've not
been to their dance session.
[ blpiazza@aol.com (Barry Piazza) ]
Sunday - several dance sets through gold medal and international and
freestyle time.
This rink produces about 1/3 to 1/2 of all the World Class dance teams
in the US.
[ grr ]
Silver City holds a St. Patrick's Day Invitational Meet including both
standard Artistic and JO events. It sounds like a fairly major event,
which would involved both judges and skaters from across the country,
and also includes a social skate.
[ Wrldgolds3@aol.com (Jody Viola Cohen) - edited ]
Silver City is located in Taunton, MA just about half way between
Cape Cod, and Boston. We have a rock maple floor 190*95. We welcome
visitors to practice for a $5 fee, and are open for practice 6 days
and nights, usually from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM or midnight. We also
have an artistic session on Sunday evenings and you're welcome to be
a guest at our club from 5:00 PM until that session starts.
I teach there, along with the rest of my family. Hope to see some
new faces!
====
Tyngsboro/Lowell, MA 01879
Roller Kingdom (aka Skate 3)
350 Middlesex Road (Rt 3a)
Tyngsboro is located in northeastern Massachusetts between Lowell and
Mashua. From Lowell, head north on US 3 to exit 35 - Rt 113 / Kendall
Road, then head east on 113 to Rt 3a, just before the bridge. I think
you want turn right to head south on 3a.
508-649-3440(rec)/649-3439
Sun 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Adult Night - Old & New Top-40
Thurs 7:30 PM - 9:30? PM Organ/Artistic Session
In-line skates permitted
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Arstisic and JO Clubs
[ robert.brown@quorum.com (Robert E. Brown) - severly edited ]
The best [adult session] is probably the Sunday night session at Roller
Kindgdom. They allow in-lines that don't tear up the rink floor as far as
I know. There is also a Thursday night [artistic] session, I go to this.
[ aboulanger@ldgo.columbia.edu (Albert Boulanger) - edited ]
Unfortunately, Roller Kingdom is about the best there is up there.
Adult-oriented session on Thursday, true adult on Sunday.
[ Roller Kingdom is apparently part of a complex including an ice rink ]
[ which is or was called "Skate Three" - this may also be on Mass Rt 3a ]
====
Worcester, MA 01603-2035
Skylite Roller Skating Center
648 Park Ave
508-757-8640
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Massachusetts (413) - Western and Central
Chicopee, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Springfield
====
Agawam/Springfield, MA 01001
Rollaway Skate Center (aka The Rollaway)
1765 Main Street
Agawam is located in southern Massachusetts, across the river and
south of Springfield. From I-91, get off at the Rt 57 exit and
head east on Rt 57, across the river to Rt 159. Get off at the
Rt 159 - Main Street exit and head south on Main Street for about
three miles. The rink should be on the left, just past Riverside
Amusement Park.
413-786-4875
Sun 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Mostly Adults - Older Rock & Roll music
Tues 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Mostly Adults - Organ Music
Wood Floor (smooth) - Small - No Air Conditioning
In-line skates permitted
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS Artistic and JO Clubs
[ Robert.Greene@mail.trincoll.edu (Robert Greene) ]
This family owned rink is one of the last of it's kind. It was built
in the early 80's to replace the '20's-style Riverside roller rink which
was lost to fire. This rink is small - just barely large enough to have
a racing program, so you're constantly turning a corner - good for ankle
strength.
Sunday is adult night with a consistant band of good-natured regulars.
The music is good and "Jay-Bird" takes requests, although he favors 70's
rock-and-roll.
There's an active dance program and lessons are available. The Rollaway
puts on a hilarious Christmas dance program which has to be seen to
be appreciated.
The floor is smooth and on a good night it feels like you're flying.
In-lines are allowed, but not encouraged. It's mostly quad territory.
Not air-conditioned. The skating time is structured into all skate,
men-only, women-only, backwards and reverse-direction skating.
====
Chicopee/Springfield, MA 01020-3966
Skate Scene USA Roller Skating Center
1183 Memorial Drive
Chicopee is located in central Massachusetts, just north of Springfield.
From I-90 - The Massachusetts Turnpike, get off at exit 5 - Rt 33 /
Memorial Drive, and head north on Memorial Drive for about a half mile.
The rink should be on the right, between Brentwood Terrace and Pondview
Drive, a block from a Cumberland Farms convenience store. It is set
back from the road and not easy to see.
413-593-0433(tape)/593-0434
Mon ?:?? PM - ??:?? PM Artistic Nite
Thurs 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM Adult Night
**** taped message is updated daily, call for detailed schedule ****
Maple Floor - about 80'x175' - Very Good Condition - Air Conditioned
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS JO, Speed and Hockey Clubs
[ Robert.Greene@mail.trincoll.edu (Robert Greene) ]
I've just started going to this rink in Chicopee, MA and I can't
remember it's name. The rink is large and the floor is beautiful.
Thursday is adult night and there seems to be a regular following.
The average age is about 25 and there's a lot of good skaters.
The music is late-80's to current and is played through a nice
sound system. The skating time is totally unstructured.
I plan to drive the 90-minutes it takes me to get there just for
the floor. There is a dance program scheduled on their flyer, but
I have not been to it.
[ FEstep@aol.com (Frank Estep Estep) ]
This is a very nice rink, with a large following of artistic skaters.
The floor is wood, about 80 X 175 feet and in fairly good condition.
There is also a small practice area.
Monday evening is the primary artistic skating session. They have live
organ music with a good PA system. The program includes five dance sets
starting with basic bronze and progressing to one set of all gold medal
dances. I have seen as many as 15 or 20 couples doing gold medal dances.
The crowd is very friendly and welcomes newcomers.
There are several people from the Albany/Schenctady area who make the 180
mile round trip to Chicopee every Monday evening. The 1997 Northeast
Regionals are scheduled to be held there.
====
Hadley/Amherst, MA 01035
Interskate 91 North (and On Ramp Skate Shop)
South Maple Street and Russell Streets - Hampshire Mall
Hadley is located in central Massachusetts, between Northhampton and
Amherst, about 15 miles north of Springfield. From I-91, get off at
the US 5 exit and head north on US 5 to Rt 66, then turn right to head
northeast on Rt 66 across the river where it changes to Rt 9 and then
about 1-1/2 miles further to Maple Street. Turn right to head south
on Maple Street for about a half mile and look for the Hampshire Mall.
The rink is *in* the Mall building.
413-586-8344
Mon 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Adult-18 70's/80's/Current Top-40
RSA Member Rink
[ anon ]
Another interesting rink is in a mall in Hadley Mass. The pro shop
is on the bottom floor and the rink itself is up the stairs on the
second level. They didn't have the option of going with a traditional
floor because of the location so they went with an "L" shaped floor.
Not good for a speed meet or a hockey game, but pretty interesting.
The name is Interskate 91 and the rink has a kind of highway theme,
with speed limit signs and one way signs posted all over the place.
[ There are two Interskate 91 rinks under the same ownership - ]
[ I'm not sure if both have the this highway motif... ]
[ robert.greene@mail.cc.trincoll.edu (Bob Greene) ]
This summer, I skated in a very different rink located in the East Brook
Mall in Amherst, MA [sic]. It's located on the 2nd floor of the mall and
is a modified and elongated figure-8 shape, with the middle of the figure-8
a short two-way straight-away with windows overlooking the mall.
The skaters encounter sharp left-and-right turns as they navigate the floor,
and the top of the figure-8 has 3 close-set pillars that skaters can either
skate around or through, with the "fun" of hitting other skaters. Being a
weekend night, there were a lot of speed-heads. The lower right-hand part
of the figure-8 turn was thrilling, as if you missed it, you ran into a
blank wall while if you carried too much speed, you would veer into the
oncoming traffic.
It was mostly quads with a few bladers thrown in. The tightness of the
turns would seem to preclude 5-wheel blades from having their usual
"more-push" advantage.
====
Springfield, MA 01105
Rialto Roller Skating Rink
82 Walnut Street
413-732-0259
====
Wilbraham/Springfield, MA 01095-1103
Interskate 91 South
2041 Boston Road
Wilbraham is located in central Massachusetts, just northeast of
Springfield. From I-90, get off at exit 7 - Rt 21, and head south,
across the river, then turn left to head east Rt 20 - the Boston Post
Road. The rink is probably a mile or two east, past Stoney Hill Road.
413-543-4664
Wed 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Adult Night
Games - Snack Bar
IAPAA Member
RSA Member Rink
USAC/RS JO and Speed Clubs
[ anon ]
The rink in Wilbraham is also kind of unique. The name is Interskate 91
and the rink has a kind of highway theme, with speed limit signs and one
way signs posted all over the place.
[ There are two Interskate 91 rinks under the same ownership - ]
[ I'm not sure if both have the this highway motif... ]
====
Williamstown, MA 01267-9600
Roller Magic
Route 2 - Colonial Shopping Center
413-458-3659
RSA Member Rink
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