Just rollin’ along
I got a brand new pair of roller skates.
You got a brand new key.
I think that we should get together and try them on to see.
Since my visit to Skate Plaza in Coeur d’Alene was on “Groovy Friday,” I was reminded of those lyrics made famous in 1971 by singer Melanie Safka. If you got a new pair of skates for Christmas, or just want to give skating a try, this is the place.
The glossy 15,000-square-foot maple floor reflects the special-effects colorful overhead lights, allowing plenty of room for skaters – even on a busy weekend night. A disc jockey varies the tunes over a public address system while entertainment (if a movie, only G-rated showings are allowed) flashes over a large video projector.
The Roller Skating Association International must have been thinking of North Idaho when they came up with the slogan “No matter what is happening outside this winter … there is always something fun for you to do inside.” With the unpredictable weather lately, this is great place to get exercise. According to the Web site www.caloriesperhour.com, a person weighing 150 pounds burns 476 calories per hour when roller-skating.
Skate Plaza owners Pat and Marvin Miller state in their mission statement that they want to “provide our community and patrons with a wholesome, safe, clean entertainment facility for the purpose of enjoying the sport of roller-skating and socializing with others …” Manager John King, who has worked at the Plaza for 25 years, says parents are always welcome in the building at no charge to watch their children skate.
Location: On the northwest corner of Dalton and U.S. Highway 95 in Coeur d’Alene (approximately one and half miles north of I-90).
Schedule: Open Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for general skating. Parties and special events are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Call 772-9507 for hours.
Cost: Normal admission is $6.50. Wednesday “Cheap Skate” is $5. Children ages 6 and under are $5 with free quad skate rental. Quad skates rent for $1.75. See Web site or call the office for other specials.
Restrictions: Personal skates are subject to inspection to ascertain wheels are wood-floor friendly. No smoking or alcohol allowed.
What to see: Skaters of all ages having a good time. Special events include speed and artistic skating competitions.
Special features: Pizza and other snacks, skating games, “tot spot” skating area for age 6 and under, skate rentals and a family game arcade. Skating parties are arranged for groups. Skating lessons are available through Sara Stinnet at 664-0343.
Preparation: Call 772-9507 or visit the Web page www.skateplazacda.com for more information. Visit the Web site www.Skatewind.com for information on lessons and more.
Gear: Quad or inline skates with urethane or similar wheels. Protective gear is a good idea, especially if you skate like me.
Trivia: According to Wikipedia, the first recorded use of roller skates was in 1743, during a London stage performance.