Skating Rink to Open in Sallisaw

Newly remodeled interior of The Rink.

It’s been a few years since Sallisaw had a skating rink for the city’s youngsters to enjoy.

But that is about to change when the newly remodeled skating rink opens later this month in Sallisaw.

Larry Crowe purchased the former roller rink building at 128 N. Sioux Street three years ago, and was waiting for the right time to remodel and develop the kind of family-oriented business he wanted.

“We just want a place where kids and families can come and enjoy themselves,” said Crowe, adding that the response to the local rink has been overwhelming thus far.

Crowe is no stranger to skating rinks. At the age of 13, he skated competitively, and in his middle years, placed second in a regional tournament in men’s figures in roller skating under amateur classifications.

“I love skating; it’s really helped me a lot,” Crowe said. “And it’s really great exercise.”

Over the years, Crowe has opened other skating rinks across Oklahoma, including two in Oklahoma City, one in Moore and another in Holdenville. He enjoys being able to invest in communities and into the lives of the children in these communities.

Sallisaw, with its close proximity to Lake Tenkiller, where Crowe spent much time growing up, is one of the communities in which he wanted to invest not only money, but time.

A sneak peek of the interior of The Rink this week revealed an impressive skate rink, which has been covered in a ventilated and cushioned PVC sport court floor, which Crowe said would allow for softer falls than a concrete floor. Lighting over the rink has been restored, and three lighted starbursts will be centered by a mirror ball. Construction was continuing in the snack bar area and the bathrooms. Work also continued in the skate rack area at the front desk, which has custom lighting features.

“It’s been cleaned up, refloored, a lot of ceiling tiles replaced and carpeted down the hallway,” Crowe said of the renovations.

The corner DJ booth has been re-carpeted and painted and will be updated with sound equipment.

“We’re going to play a lot of pop music,” Crowe explained, adding that the music will be screened ahead of time for bad words and adult content. “We don’t play anything that has to be edited.”

He said in addition to today’s pop music, skaters can skate to Christian rap and Christian pop as well.

Crowe expects all the renovations to be complete and ready for opening in late November. The Rink will be open from 7-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, and from 1-4 p.m. Saturdays. There may be other nights during the week The Rink may open; it will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Special birthday party packages will be available as well.

A uniformed officer will be on hand both nights so that The Rink can continue to provide a safe, fun place for youngsters, teens and families. Crowe said he does not plan to offer video games, pool tables or ice hockey, simply because there “isn’t room.”

For more information about The Rink, including employment opportunities, visit its Facebook page, The Rink – Sallisaw, OK.

And be sure to check The Mix 105.1 Facebook page tomorrow for a sneak peek of video footage from inside The Rink.

Pam Cloud, Managing News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com