Grand Island’s Skate Island won’t reopen

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - The owners of a longtime Grand Island staple say they will not reopen Skate Island.

Skate Island suffered a devastating hit back in February when about 75 percent of the roof collapsed under the weight of snow, sinking it down to just above the floor.

The family said they’ve tried several attempts to reopen, but nothing proved to be economically feasible.

On Friday, the Anderson family shared this statement with the Grand Island community:

“To our skating community,
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Skate Island will not be reopening. Following the collapse of our roof in February, we explored multiple paths back to reopening and even vetted a sale to a large roller rink operator out of Colorado. Unfortunately, there was not an option to rebuild that was economically feasible.
We understand this news will be met with a lot of disappointment. The Anderson family has owned and operated Skate Island since 1969. Over the past 50+ years, Skate Island thrived because it was a safe and enjoyable family entertainment destination. It was a place to celebrate your kid’s birthday and a place THAT kid could then return to as an adult to do the same for their kids. We realize the importance a place like Skate Island has been to the community, which makes this decision even harder.
The Anderson family would like to thank the Grand Island community for continually supporting our business over the years. We also thank all the amazing employees that worked at Skate Island. If you ever donned the Panda Bear costume, served an Italian ice, passed out skates, drove the Fun Bus, DJ’ed a “sock hop” or ran the limbo contest, you helped make Skate Island a special place.
What we wouldn’t give to take one more lap around our maple rotunda floor (counter-clockwise of course). It’s unfortunate it had to end this way, but we will cherish all the memories that were made along the way. Long live the skate!
Sincerely,
Steve Anderson and the Skate Island Family”

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce VP Courtney Lierman said it’s always a sad day when we see long-standing businesses, community members like Skate Island and their owners the Anderson family who are making the very tough decision to close their doors permanently.