ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Rola-Rena Roller Skating Rink closed its doors for good Sunday after nearly 50 years in business.
The Ashwaubenon business was a popular spot and children’s party destination for many who grew up in the area.
Some of those people turned out Sunday to take home some memories.
“I have had so many birthday parties here,” said Maggie Zastrow of Green Bay.
“I probably went to like 10 birthday parties here,” said Wilson Kneiszel of De Pere.
“Birthday parties, church groups, the scouting parties… the school parties,” said Mary Dollar.
Dollar has been the owner of Rola-Rena for 47 years. Sunday, she held a sale, offering up everything inside to the community that she calls family.
“It’s just kind of fun. I guess I’m thinking we should be skating because when people walk through the door we get our skates and we go skating.”
As people stopped by Rola-Rena to take something home, some laced up one last time for a final lap around the roller rink, and others just came to say goodbye.
“I just wanted to see it one more time before it got torn down,” said Kneiszel
Among the funky decor collected were pictures that have been brought in by customers throughout the years.
Dollar tells FOX 11…
“When we opened August 31, 1972, we posted a bulletin board at that time it was just cork. Bring in your picture and Mary will give you a free soda and I have not thrown a picture away.”
For many, the Rola-Rena will be remembered for its recognizable decor. Just walking through the door brought them right back to their childhood. Everything from the ceilings down to the carpet.
I want a piece of this carpet. That’s all I want, that’s all I remember from the Rola-Rena is this carpet right here,” said Zastrow.
