‘It feels beautiful’; Champaign Co. celebrating National Roller Skating Month

SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) – Now well into spooky season, skating season is coming for the spotlight.

“It feels beautiful, it feels like you’re on a mountain, a moving mountain,” said 9-year-old James Nelson.

That’s the feeling that has him, and others, hooked.

“It’s my favorite thing out of the nine things my parents have signed me up for,” Nelson said. “My mom says I’m a natural.”

Nelson is one of many helping Skateland in Savoy celebrate National Roller Skating Month. The rink has been around for almost 50 years.

“I love the looks on the kids’ faces — the atmosphere for families and their happiness and making sure they get out and do stuff together,” said owner Bob Housholder.

No worries if you’re not a pro, because the rink offers lessons. It’s something Nelson has been looking forward to ever since he started skating.

He said it was tricky at first, but he’s getting better every day.

“Now I can go around the whole (rink) in like 15 seconds,” he said.

The rink officially went up for sale in June, but owners said they’re still around to give the community a good time.

“We’re still here, we’re still rolling. We encourage everyone to come out for National Roller Skating Month and beyond,” Housholder said. “Plan those birthday parties, come out and play laser tag, come skating.”

Housholder said the timeline of the sale is uncertain and could last months, if not years.

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