EDGERTON — A community center in Edgerton that’s long been a regional Friday night roller skating mecca has brought its skate selection into the 21st Century.
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The nonprofit Tri-County Community Center, 112 N. Swift St., in Edgerton, has added 120 new and gently used pairs of roller skates, funded through a Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin grant.
The community center purchased 95 brand-new and 32 pairs of gently used skates this spring and summer.
“We’ve already seen a noticeable increase in attendance, and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Jeff Lothe, the community center’s skating manager. “People are excited not only about the fresh look of the skates, but also the improved comfort, quality and safety they offer.”
Roller skating on Friday nights has long been a staple of the community center’s programming and remains one of its primary sources of income. The center relies on community support and participation to sustain its operations and to continue offering affordable activities for families.
Friday Night Roller Skating is open to all ages, at a cost of $5 per person which includes skate rental, according to its Facebook page.
“We appreciate the ongoing cooperation and good relationship with the community,” Lothe said. “We encourage everyone, city residents and beyond, to come out and skate with us.”
Deena Wettstein, a longtime volunteer, said the community center’s previous skates were more than 20 years old and made of hard, uncomfortable plastic.
“People come from all over Rock County to skate here,” Wettstein said. “There aren’t many roller rinks like there used to be.”
Friday Night Skating will resume Nov. 7 after a short break due to school closures and Halloween. In addition to Friday nights, the center also hosts roller derby on Monday nights.
