Going Around in Circles

ASSI - What an experience we had at Seabrook Roller Skating Rink. Our grandchildren learned to roller skate over the summer while visiting their great grandparents in Florida. Jordan who is the oldest thought the only place he could skate was in Florida, he was surprised to learn that the Washington DC Area also has skating rinks. We went to Seabrook Roller Skating Rink in Lanham, MD that offers three skating times: 10 a.m. to Noon, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. We made our way from the Air and Space Museum to Lanham for the second rotation. Seabrook skating rink is old and outdated. It really could use a face lift, especially at $28.00 for one adult and two children under six. While we were in line waiting to purchase our tickets, a mother who was hosting a birthday party for her son exchange unpleasant language with the cashier regarding payment for the other children attending the party. After that encounter, I was a little concerned about the caliber of people who frequent this skating rink because both boys are extremely friendly and will latch on to other children without hesitation.

Many years ago, I went to Stardust Skating Rink in Florida every Saturday night and on special occasions, stood in line for hours waiting to get in, people traveled from St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, and Orlando for an evening at Stardust. In those days when you rented a pair of skates your shoes were placed in the compartment where the skates are stored; however, at Seabrook you are responsible for storing your shoes. Lockers are provided for .50 cents, there are a few cubbyholes in the general area without protection for shoes, and hooks on the wall for your coat. The DJ booth separates the carpeted area from the concession stand that’s off to the left where there is also a party area, a 12 foot bench with storage compartments, and four video games.

There is no place at the Seabrook Roller Rink for small people who are beginners, except for the center of the rink where you have get to, and if you are an armature skater getting to the middle takes some doing. Back in the day, Stardust had two rinks one for beginners and one for everyone else, and the larger rink had a middle section. As I see it, children need an outlet, even if facility like Seabrook Skating Rink requires some cosmetic attention it allows children to release energy, and the concession stand takes credit cards for purchases over $5.00.