Let the Good Times Roll
 

Skateland in Trinidad reopened its doors under new ownership and management on June 18, 2005. Originally, Berta and Ray Garcia considered taking over the business when Sam and the late Marge Tapia decided to retire from the skating rink business a few years ago, but the timing just wasn’t right. When the business became available again in the spring of 2005, things just fell into place. Berta now operates the roller rink with the help of her son and daughter-in-law, Stacey and Mileene Sanchez. Ray is the self-proclaimed “silent partner”, but he does come down every so often and liven things up. Everyone in the family helps out, even the youngest, at five years old. In addition to running the skating rink, everyone has different full-time jobs. Berta can check you out at Safeway, Ray is employed by the City of Trinidad, Stacey works for Las Animas County and Mileene is currently the Computer Teacher and Librarian at Aguilar School District.

 “We like the idea that kids have a place to go on weekends,” says Mileene. “My favorite part of running the business so far is getting to know our regular customers. I also enjoy the birthday parties; it’s just a fun atmosphere.” Birthday parties have been very successful so far. For a very reasonable price, one can have a birthday party at the roller rink and leave the clean-up to them! But it’s not just limited to birthday parties. Large groups such as the Upward Bound Program, Sonic employees, TSJC student groups, and Aguilar’s kindergarten and first grade classes have placed reservations for private skating parties. With community support, the families hope to provide a safe, fun place for Trinidad area youth, as well as the young at heart!

	Hours of operation are: Wednesday 6-9 p.m. (Sept. - May)   7-10 p.m. (June - August)   Admission is $1 Friday and Saturday   7-9 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.   $3 each session or $5 for both Sunday 6-9 p.m. (Sept. - May)   7-10 p.m. (June - August)   Admission is $2
All other days and evenings are kept for private parties and large group events. Call 846-8370 or 846-3275 to book.