GRESHAM, Ore. (GRESHAM OUTLOOK) — After more than four decades of business, Gresham Skate World will hang up its skates near the end of this month.
The roller rink at 1220 NE Kelly Ave. has been a Gresham family-friendly institution since it opened in 1974. Skate World General Manager Josh Bird said the beloved business wil host its last skate sessions on Sunday, Oct. 28. The first skate will be from noon to 4 p.m. for $8, followed by a final “CHEAP SK8” for $5.75 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
When Skate World’s building owner died in 2013, the property was placed in probate. The building was recently sold to Gresham’s Rise City Church in a private sale, and church officials plan to remodel the roller rink into its new chapel.
Bird, 29, has worked at the Skate World for nearly 10 years. He acknowledged it was time to move on, but admits he’s crushed to part ways with such an important aspect of his adult life.
“It cuts deep,” he said. “It’s really, really said.”