PROBLEM

It has been over 30 years since a roller-skating rink has been built in the city of Los Angeles. This petition is for the city to either dedicate or acquire  existing land resources to build a modern indoor roller-skating rink in the city of Los Angeles. This plea is sensible because The City of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation currently owns and manages 29 outdoor skate parks (link) throughout the county—most of which are designated hockey, derby, and skateboard facilities. Further, the county has multimillion golf courses on its roster. Without a doubt, it is possible for the city to invest in a Class A “So-Fi Stadium” type indoor roller-skating rink with full-service entertainment. Many Los Angeles residents travel to Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties to roller skate at indoor rinks since the closure of Skateland in Northridge during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a privately-owned indoor roller-skating rink in Glendale; however, it outdated and functionally obsolete due to current skating demands; and it is only open in the evenings, and not easily accessible to all. Demographics of Los Angeles are changing, there is a need for family entertainment and amenities. A high-quality, public-owned Los Angeles-based indoor roller rink would generate revenue for the city, and potentially boost public relations especially for skate tourism, Team USA Roller Sports (link), national and international skating clubs and associations (link), and Figure Skating Academies and Training Facilities.

CAUSE

Land entitlement formalities and business regulation costs have made it expensive for private investors and developers to build, own, and manage a modern roller-skating rink. Many roller rinks were developed by entrepreneurs during the 1950s and 1970s when there was a surplus of land and many Americans valued roller-skating and group recreational activities. During the 80s, many developers began taking advantage of retail tax incentives and invested shopping malls and big box stores. Further, there are also fundamental legal, social, and financial factors contributing to the vanishing of roller-skating rinks in Los Angeles and across America. Many documentaries, particularly HBO's United Skates and L.A. Roll, address and highlight socioeconomic and racial disparities surrounding the scarcity of indoor roller rinks in Los Angeles, specifically in urban, African American, LGBTQIA+ and low-income markets.

BENEFITS

Roller-skating has been a valued American pastime since the 1880s, and it is on the rise again since the pandemic. Roller-skating is a feelgood, aerobic activity with many health and social benefits for all walks of life. It is a multi-generational sport and social activity for school-aged children, seniors, and adults. Many roller-skate schedules cater to working professionals, school-aged children during breaks and field trips, active seniors. Roller-skating is a great way to improve heart health, strengthen muscles, and burn calories. It works muscles in the legs, glutes, and core, burns up to 600 calories an hour, and causes 50% less stress to the joints than running. It even improves flexibility and endurance. There are many health benefits to of an accessible indoor rink including physical, recreational, social, and mental health (Source). The American Diabetes Association recommends two types of physical activity to manage and prevent diabetes, such as strength training and aerobic exercise, both of which are in skating and rollerblading. Roller skating is an excellent example of aerobic exercise, which helps your body use and manage insulin better. Roller skating strengthens the heart and bones, decreases blood glucose levels, relieves stress, and improves cholesterol levels (Source). Most importantly, roller-skating rinks generate revenue. Roller-skaters live to skate. Admission fees range from $7 - $20 per session. Building a rink will also create jobs.

SUGGESTIONS

• Consult with US Design Labs in Tampa, FL to develop a modern, revenue-driven rink design (website).
• Establish a roller-skate club and training academy to increase revenue and global recognition—some training programs charge up to $1000/month.
• Multiple floors for different roller sport activities and skill levels—derby, jam, speed, rhythm, etc…
• Strategic location off freeway and/or near airport.
• Set up loyalty incentives or membership plans.
• Generate revenue kiosk leases, allow licensed pop-up food vendors, and caterers to serve food so the rink does not need to manage a concession stand. This approach will reduce the overhead and need to staff food service workers. A modernized concession area with traditional fare, modern food, plant-based options, sports performance products, and grab-n-go vending machines. Have filtered water stations for refillable water bottle.

PLEASE SIGN TODAY AND SHARE!

Respectfully,

Renee Matthews and Gregg Dandridge