Centre County’s only roller skating rink is set to close after 20 years
Centre County’s only roller skating rink is set to close after nearly two decades in business.
Penn Skates is scheduled to shut its doors Oct. 17, owner Valerie Dench wrote in a Facebook post Thursday. The last skating session is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. at 2210 High Tech Road in Benner Township.
“I have sold the building and will be retiring, but I wanted to thank you all for 20 great years!” Dench wrote. “Although I will miss you all, I am looking forward to retirement. I would love to see you again before we close and say goodbye.”
The future of the building is largely unknown. The new owner will not operate the venue as a skating rink, Dench wrote. She did not respond to a request for comment.
The facility that opened in 2001 offered public skating, arcade games and a snack bar. It also hosted birthday parties and other private events.
The State College Area Roller Derby team called Penn Skates home for 11 years. It’s unclear how the nonprofit plans to move forward.