I wasn’t one of those boys who pined for a BB gun. OK, maybe I did a bit. But what I remember wanting most was a pair of roller skates. I finally got them in seventh grade but my parents tricked me that Christmas by putting someone else’s name on the box.
That all came back to me last week when we found ourselves at Skate World in Hillsboro for the birthday party of a friend’s daughter. The minute we walked in it all came rushing back. The music, the lights, the teetering adults.
Skate World is an indoor rink and open year round. And they offer everything a self-respecting rink would offer, including rentals, lessons, snacks, games and the opportunity to dull those unnecessarily pointy elbows and knees. They also do parties, a smash hit with our group.
As for me, I can report that I’ve still got the skills. Though if you see my skating backwards, I’d recommend clearing out.
By Greg Coyle