RICHLAND, Wash. – The Rollarena Skating Center in Richland is celebrating a milestone. The community gathered to celebrate its 70 years in business. Owners Alan and Judy Bacon and their daughter and General Manager Kelsey say they plan to keep the good times rolling for the community.
Alan Bacon said his parents, Howard and Grace Bacon, had to receive permission from the Federal Government, which owned Richland at one time, to build the arena.
“The rink was built in 1953,” said Bacon. “The year I was born. I’ve been here all my life, and we’ve got through a lot of decades and a lot of skaters and families over that time.”
Alan and his family said it’s all about helping the youth in the community.
Kelsey Bacon, Alan’s daughter, said that’s the most important thing to them.
“A lot of people that come skating are teenagers or families,” Kelsey said. “So anything we can do to help support the teenagers in our town, we’re excited.
Kelsey said all the celebration proceeds will go to Safe Harbor’s My Friend’s Place. A local Non-Profit that helps house and care for displaced teens and young adults in our area.
She said in their 10-year relationship, Rollarena had collected over $33,000 for My Friend’s Place.
Alan’s wife, Judy, said they have always tried to make skating affordable for everyone. Judy said the history of Rollarena is a family story.
“I can’t tell you how many people throughout time have come up to me and said how thankful they were that we retained the business and stayed involved in the community,” she said.
Angela Jensen has lived in the Tri-Cities all her life.
Jensen said she’s been skating since she was two years old. She’s been coming to the arena for 46 years and has fond memories.
“70 just means that I know my kids will keep enjoying it,” Jensen said. “My grandkids can keep enjoying it. If they do 70, they can do 100.”
Alan said they’ve been able to stick around so long and impact the community by creating a fun atmosphere.
“We’ve focused on families all these years,” Alan said. “We’ve focused on groups like churches and schools. It’s just a fun, safe place to come with your family and friends and have a good time.”
