Just Roller-Skating Around in Stratford

While rollerblades took off in the '90s, roller-skating has remained a much loved classic.

Many remember their first pair of roller skates, their first fall and the moment they perfected a cross-over.

And for those old enough, who can forget roller disco nights and those kids who seemed to be born on wheels, doing tricks in the center of the rink.

Roller skating continues to be a fun, family activity and in some towns, roller derby is catching on and getting adults back on skates! (Connecticut now has two teams, the CT Roller Girls and the CT Death Quads.)

Right here, residents are fortunate to have Long Beach Skateland right in town!

Skateland has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 50 years. They have seen many children’s eyes light up as they take their first roll, and experienced the family moments built on their maple wood roller rink floor.

Local mom Janae told Patch that she brought her 3-year-old daughter Aaliyah "so that she could learn to skate. Skateland is the only rink in the area."

Families, businesses and other organizations are able to rent the facility for various occasions including birthday parties, reunions and more. Birthdays may also be celebrated during the open skate session. Many families order pizza from the local pizzeria and bring cake, etc with them.

Theresa Cocchia told us that she "loves to roll around" and was enjoying the weekend open skating session with her friends, one of whom was celebrating her birthday.

Fundraising events may also be held at Skateland during which participants are offered a two-hour block of skate time.

The facility has vending machines and video games. Despite the predominance of “quad skates” (roller skates), rollerblades are welcome as well.

Every Thursday night from 6:00pm – 8:30pm is Discount Night with patrons only paying $5 to skate. Only cash and checks are accepted for payment.

Occasionally, Skateland offers coupons on its Web site for patrons to download and save even more!

For those of you who don’t feel comfortable straying too far from the railing, sign up to brush up on your technique or learn the basics. Private and group skating lessons are offered from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in Saturdays before the Saturday afternoon open skate session.

For something a little different but just as fun, Zumba is offered on Monday evenings and is a great way to keep in shape.

For the advanced skater, Skateland is home to an Artistic Skating club. Call the rink to find out more information.

The schedule is subject to change, but is currently:

Mondays: 6:00pm – 7:00pm: Zumba
Thursdays: 6:00pm – 8:30pm: Open Skating: Discount Night
Fridays: 7:00pm – 9:30pm: Open Skating
Saturdays: 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Private and Group Skating Lessons
2:00pm – 4:00pm: Open Skating
7:30pm – 10:00pm: Open Skating
Sundays: 2:00pm – 4:00pm: Open Skating
4:30pm – 7:00pm: Artistic Skate Practice and Organ Music.

For more information about Long Beach Skateland, its schedule, prices and more, visit its Web site or call them at 203-378-9033. Long Beach Skateland is located at 55 Washington Pkwy, Stratford, CT 06615.

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