A longtime skating rink in Los Angeles, closed for eight months due to Covid, will close permanently and be converted into a homeless shelter.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the center has been a favorite in the San Fernando Valley for more than 60 years. “That forced closure for eight months just destroyed our business,” said David Fleming, who owns the business with his brother Mike. “And so we started to think about, ‘Well, you know, maybe this is time for us to consider retiring.’”
Now, with a $6 million loan from the city, Skateland will be transformed into a 100-bed Bridge homeless housing facility, thanks to Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission. However, with construction not slated to begin until April, the Flemings hope to be able to reopen for a few days early next year to allow people the chance for one final skate.