ROLLING IN NOSTALGIA
ROLLER SKATING AT DISCOVERY GREEN HAS BECOME ONE OF THE RITES OF SPRING IN HOUSTON
There’s a sense of nostalgia that comes with roller skating in a rink swimming in the song choices of a DJ, for some people of a certain generation.
At least, it is for Christine West, cultural programs manager for downtown’s Avenida Houston. “I’m a native Houstonian and grew up going to roller skating rinks around town,” she says. “There used to be far more (of them). The idea of being able to roller skate outside in a beautiful park in the middle of downtown sounds amazing.”
She’s talking about Discovery Green’s roller skating rink, which opens Friday for the start of its second year, this time with an improved rink and nightly jams coming from an 8-by-12foot DJ booth positioned in the center of the rink. Market lights will be strung overhead from the booth to the rink’s perimeter to add some warmth to the nostalgia.
Themed nights around 1970s, ’80s and ’90s music may remind some skaters of weekends spent couples skating under strobe lights in roller rinks with carpeted walls of yesteryear.
But past experience isn’t necessary, as kids and people of all ages can find the delight of rolling around in shoes with wheels, while music provides an instant soundtrack to the fun.
During Friday night’s opening members of Houston Roller Derby will demonstrate their rink skills with an abbreviated match and the band Mango Punch! will perform.
On Sundays, local guest DJs will spin top 40 music, including graffiti artist Gonzo247, Saint Arnold Brewing Company founder Brock Wagner and radio personality G-Man.
Mondays are “Cheap Skate” nights with discounted admission.
Other programming includes costume night, superheroes who circle the rink with young skaters on Saturdays and music themes including hip-hop and R&B. During Date Nights — March 7 and March 21 — skaters can use a hashtag on Twitter and Instagram to request a favorite song from the DJ.
West says it’s a great way to expose kids to exercise that’s “goofy fun” and an outing where family members of all ages can participate together, regardless of skill level.
“You can’t help but smile while you’re roller skating,” she says.