ALEXANDRIA, Ky. — Campbell County’s last roller rink holds memories for thousands of people who have skated there over the last three decades.
Owner Kelly Danner, 46, has worked at the rink in some capacity since she was 10 years old. RECA has been in her family for 36 years; her mother and father owned the joint before she took over.
“A lot of first kisses were here, a lot of crushes, all of those memories are still in this building, so it’s going to be a rough couple of months,” Danner said.
RECA Roller Rink’s last day will be on March 1. The new owners requested a change in zoning; Danner said the building will be converted into a warehouse and office space.
“I’m not thrilled that it’s not going to stay a roller rink … that’s the part that’s digging into my heart,” Danner said.
RECA had a rough skating season when the pipes burst in January 2018. The water damaged the office space and caused the skating floor to ripple. Repairs, high electric bills and lack of business made for a devastating winter, Danner said.
Danner said she fought parting with the property for a long time, but she said she knows the roller skating industry is dying.
“There’s a resurgence right now, but how long that will last, I don’t know,” Danner said.
Danner said she hopes her customers continue to support local businesses.
“Support your local mom and pop businesses … you have no idea the struggle they go through just to keep the doors open because they love what they do and want to support the community,” Danner said.
