Remember the Roller Rink in Antigo?
Remember how much fun you had there?
Do you want your children and grandchildren to have those memories too?
Well!! Here’s your chance!
We need the community involvement to insure there is the support we need to start up a roller rink/laser tag/family fun center in the town of Antigo. We already have the support of the Boys and Girls Club, the local middle school and many business owners. Now we need your input as a parent, grandparent or community member.
The center will be a family oriented, safe and secure place that will not allow smoking, drinking, or rowdy behavior. We will be open at convenient hours with room for birthday parties at a reasonable rate and special events and hours that will serve all age groups.
If you would like to get involved in showing your support please post your comments on this blog. Proposed opening date Spring 2008.
We will gladly answer any questions to the best of our ability about your concerns about this project.
Lets get excited about this ANTIGO NEEDS THIS!!!
Thank you for your support and hope to see you at the rink in the future.
Angie and Kathy
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Tags: future rollerskating rink in antigo, recreation antigo wi, roller rink antigo wi
Sounds like a great idea…anything to keep our kids off of the downtown streets at night! I’m all for it!!!
This is most definitely a very good idea. Right now our kids are begging for things to do and exercise for them at this day and age is always a good thing.
This is a very good idea. It’s about time someone did something for the kids. You have my support.
I think it’s a great idea, so long as it is privatly funded.
I think this is a great idea too………..as long as it follows along with what is outlined. A safe and friendly enviroment is what is needed. But, also let us not forget the Boys and Girls Club and parents remind your teens, that it is not just a place for the little ones………they have free pool games, dart games and fooze ball……..and all ages of teens and children are welcome. They would love to see you there.
this is really a great idea, I will bring my kids, hope it will be open by summer.
To: Judy we are working in conjunction with the Boys and Girls club also the schools, the B&G club are excited about the new roller rink, we will have special days set aside just for that group, also for churches and other organizations to use the facilities. In no way do we want to take away from the wonderful work these places do for our children.
We will stive to make the roller rink a safe enviroment, we are parent ourselves and want the experience to be enjoyed by all.
To: Jaun , this is a private enterprise, there will of course be a charge to use the facility to pay for the equipment but it will be less than going to the movies, and better exercise.
what a great idea hope it works out
Kathy and Angie, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like you were trying to take anything away from the B&G club, just wanted to send out a reminder to all that it is open to all children including teens, and that it offers many things for the children and teens to do. The rink sounds great and can’t wait to have something for us to do as a family.
I also wish you the best of luck.
That idea has been in my head for months but I have no means of making that happen. That was one of my “dreams”. Antigo needs something for teens. I know the Boys and Girls Club is great but I don’t see why the two couldn’t be combined as to not take anything from them. There are enough huge buildings just sitting around this town that are begging for attention.
Anyhow, it’s time the community steps up and helps out. Post any ideas to keep us updated.
thank you all for your responses, we are moving along, we had a preliminary meeting with the development board and they were interested in the project. we have a ways to go but this was a good first step.
We wil be on the next county board agenda to discuss the project so I will keep all informed on the progress..
When the project gets to the stage of fixing up the building, we would love community participation in the form of volunteers, also we are going to be in need of a furnace, anyone have one out there that will heat a 10,000 sq ft building that is just sitting ununsed? maybe from an upgrade to a building? Thanks again to all. Kat and Ang
I know of a definate possibility for your heating needs. A building upgrade in Antigo has two leftover(5 years old but never used) 300,000 BTU boilers. Email me at man.electric@yahoo.com for the information.
What a great idea! I’ll definitely book a birthday party!
Also, be a regular customer bringing my daughter and
all her friends!
As a youngster, I, too remember having a lot of fun at the Roller Rink. I agree that a good place for the kids to go is a great idea and exercise is a definite plus. I think it would be wise to talk to the owners of the Roller Rink that was here years ago and find out why they closed? What happened? Was it money related or something else? I would hate to see people do this thing and in a few years have it go under. It might also be a good idea to talk to the owners of the Rink in Schofield/Weston – as they have been open for years and you might get some good advice from them. I hope it works out and stays for years to come! Best of Luck!
to admin: we have been trying to find out information about the spinning wheels rink that was in antigo, it is like it fell off the end of the earth, if you have any information on who owned it I would really appreciate it, we do know that the reason that the schofield rink closed was the owner was ready to retire and he was offered mega bucks for his land by the convenience store that went up there.
Any one who has information on either of the rinks I would love to hear from you.
we have great plans for the building, no only a skating rink, but bounce house for smaller kids birthday parties and laser tag for the older guys and gals .
we have estimates on an awesome sound and light system, a new type of floor that is put down in interlocking tiles, made just for roller rinks and roller hockey, glows under black light. we really wnat to turn this into an exciting place for the kids to go and adults too
If you would like to get in touch with us with any suggestions other than this blog, please email us at azkatie60@yahoo.com we will answer all questions and take a hard look at all suggestions. this will be a place for the whole communtiy so please give us your ideas and input.
Thanks Kathy and Angie.
I believe you could find out information on the old Spinning Wheels rink by contacting Roy Dieck and/or Keith White. I am sure that either of these men could send you in the right direction if they can’t give you answers. I know Roy Dieck is active with community government and/or the school board. Again, best of luck to you
thanks i looked up the names Roy Dieck and Keith White in the antigo phone book , but no luck, any further information on these guys”s where abouts?, I am a transplant from phx az, for less than a year so I have no clue when it comes to names. I will search for these guys elsewhere maybe I will have more luck. and thanks for the quick response. Do your have any info on the set up and what they had besides roller skating? would love to talk to you if you do, I will bring donuts..LOL
I sent you an email with info for Mr. Dieck.
We had a very informative meeting with Roy today, he was a great help and thanks to James we are well on our way to getting our heating units.
The excitement keep growing, we are meeting with the council members several times within the next couple of weeks looks like this is moving along at a brisk pace. Thanks for everyones input, we look forward to any other suggestions your wonderful people can give us.
Kathy and Angie.
I keep checking back to see the latest news about the skating rink and it’s so exciting! Antigo needs something like this so badly! The new playground is certainly going to be nice addition to the town, but the summer is so short in Antigo. It’s hard to be outside every day during the long, freezing winter. Thank you for doing such a wonderful thing for Antigo!
I’d love to do a story on the new roller skating rink once more information is available. Our paper loves to cover more of the upbeat and optimistic news in the Antigo area every week so I think this would make a great article. Please contact me at 623-5024 when you’re ready to announce it publicly.
Antigo Area Shoppers Guide & News
Met with the city board tonight and had great response from the members, motion was passed for use of the building for the roller skating rink. only one more ok from the parks and rec department and the building will be ours to use. We still have to be approved by the state for the use of the building depending on the report of the architect , then it is full on getting the roller rink ready. Projected opening date is still early summer.
Kathy and Angie
Being a teenager, I agree there is absolutely NOTHING to do here. It was always either go bowling or go to the movies on friday nights, but after years it got old. Are you building a new facility or moving into an existing building?
well here we are starting form scratch.. the building we were going to use needs so much work to bring it up to code that it will be cheaper to start with a new building , so this weekend we are on a hunt for piece of property that will suit our needs. we aren’t giving up we just have to climb a small mountain or two. well keep ya’ll posted Kat
What about the old KMart building? It’s a good location and certainly big enough, already has existing bethrooms, etc. After all the time it’s been empty, you’d think they’d be willing to almost give it away!
Or the old County Market building, which would be easier to walk or ride bikes to.
Hopefully, the County Market building would be better with easier access to city kids without vehicles. Keep us updated on what’s going on!
we have looked at both of those building, either one would work, they both want 5$ a sq ft a month on a triple net lease, that mean that it would be 5000 a month rent for 10,000 sq ft which is the minimum space we need, a triple net lease mean the renter is responsible for all the taxes and maintanence on the building, plus utilities, that along with the loan for the upgrades for the floor, lighing, sound and skates, plus lazer tag arena and a soft play area will stretch out monthly expenses a bit. in talking to the owner, the country market building has 2 leases pending already,don;t know what they are, and the old kmart building is going to be leased for storage by walmart during thier remodeling.
both are great ideas, thanks if you can think of any others please feel free to let me know. we will continue looking, don’t give up on us this may take some time. kat
What about the Edison Club Building? It’s also been empty for a long time and last time I was in there, it was a really beautiful place inside and in wonderful shape. They had dancing in there, so there seemed to be a modern dance floor type lighting system. Also, I have no idea what is in the old Shoe Factory now, but that too seems to just be sitting there empty! No WONDER we aren’t getting any new businesses! Those rates are ridiculous! You’d think they’d be much more willing to lower them to fill an empty building that’s just sitting there and rotting. Especially for something that would be such a great thing for local kids! I agree with SHERRY, the easier access for kids to walk and ride bikes, the better.
we looked at the edison building the bank won’t deal, wants 249,000 , but thats still a possibility, has some poles in the middle that might cause a problem but it is still worth looking at again, we are getting a little desperate at this point. Even though about the old kfc but it is way to small. maybe something on main street , but with the apartments upstairs I think people would complain. we are going to look at the shoe factory this next week if the bathrooms are accessible, it might work, and I think the pice is right. we even looked at the old bowling alley but with the second floor they want us to put in an elevator for access for the handicaped, so no go.
thanks for all the ideas. kat
to all who are interested we will be at the two angel on sat morning at 10 am we will bring pictures, plans and buy the coffee.. if you can make it we would love to meet ya’ll. kat and ang
If you are looking at land, what about the property accross from the fire station that they just tore down the building?
Or that big empty field that is sitting behind WalMart, near Charlotte Court Apartments and by the Bowling Alley?
Holdiay Inn is going in the field by the Bowling Alley. Those rent prices are ridiculous. You’ll never make enough to cover 5000 plus a month with a town this small. Even at $10 a kid per day you would have to put through over 500 just to make the rent portion. Crazy. Good luck. I would personally wait until fall to get it going. Too much going on in the summer to make it work, and too nice outside.
Oops, I thought the Holiday Inn was going into the other field over by Menards. It’s true that it would be much busier in the Fall, when it’s not so nice outside, but if they don’t start getting it going NOW, it won’t be ready for Fall. Also, there is plenty of money to make: admission, skate rentals, concessions, etc. I read that there would be laser tag and I’m assuming some other games and things as well. I’m sure there will be birthday parties booked every weekend and if it stays a nice clean place, I’m sure it will be very popular. It’s just pitiful that these big buildings sit empty and rotting for nothing! Why are the owners holding on to them?
they are probably waiting for the city to buy them and do something special with the land. I don’t thin they have a chance at selling most of these buildings because the cost to remodel is sometimes more than the cost of building.
ignorant people suck! – I’m sure you are right, but what could be so special that they might do with the land? Honestly, I am continually baffled at all the empty buildings that just sit and rot! And yes … the longer they sit, the more it would cost to repair them. Where would the new buildings go? Do you mean tear down the old ones and put up new in the same places? I’d like to see that whole County Market plaza gone and have it opened up to develop some kind of waterfront area with nice new buildings and interesting things to see and do. Yes, I know … I’m a dreamer!
If you go to the city’s website it will show you what an overpaid dreamer would do with the downtown area. Personally, I wish I was paid the 20,000 or so (just guessing) to come up with a few drawings but I am not that smart. I agree with razing unused buildings. I would like to see the city raze buildings if they aren’t used within five years. If you go to the cities that look nice, that is pretty much what they are doing. You don’t think they get the nice store fronts by using existing buildings, do you? Get rid of the old Antigo Yamaha, Central Market, Musolff Plumbing, etc. It is kind of hard to build nice stuff when there is junk in the way.
We need a revolution in this town to go against the old money and the good ol’ boys club that seems to have a strangle hold on this community. By banding together..wtf they gonna do?
ignorant people suck!- You are smarter than you think! I’d much rather see you do the drawngs! I’m sure they would be much better!
antigonewbie- I DO LIKE YOUR SPIRIT!!! I actually tried a few times in various areas to get involved in making changes. Unless you have a long history of family here, they just look at you like you are insane and do what they want anyway. I’ve nearly lost all hope at this point! Oh the stories I could tell you! I DO LIKE YOUR SPIRIT!!!
Hi everyone, i but you thought we had forgotten about you. Well we are still going to do the roller rink/laser tag. We are still in the planning stages. We have found some land to buy. It is the land right behind Family Video. Still talking to the bank to see what kind of deal they will give us on the land. So still moving forward, slowly but moving.
angie
that’s not a bad place. How about this (in case that falls through)…there is a building across from the new park. It used to be a farm retail store of some sort. It looks big enough and since it is right across the street from the new park you would basically get free advertising. All those kids constantly seeing the roller rink asking their parents if they can go. Sooner or later the parents gotta give in.
The building you take about across the way would be a great spot, but unfortunately it sits directly in the flood plain.
The flood insurance is costly and it would be a shame for anyone’s dream to be washed away.
It is owned by the city and the last I heard it was being condemned and planning to be torn down.
being torn down is better yet, it is UGLY!
yes we looked at that property, but it needs so much work. We go to the bank tomorrow to find out the news of the land. We have already been approved for the money we need to build the building and all the things that are going into it. yeah! We have decided on these 3 things so far to put in the building. 4,500 sq ft roller rink, 2,500 sq ft laser tag arena, 1000 -1200 sq ft soft play area for younger children that can’t skate yet but the parents want to. We need one more idea, we were thinking maybe a 3-d movie theater, or a media room ? Any idea’s that you think would go well would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for sticking with us. We are going to get this done one way or another.
don’t forget about a good stash of video games, pool, pizza, etc. That’s probably a given, but don’t forget to make room for it. I would think of doing a chain pizza joint like Little Ceasar’s or Papa John’s with outside access to help with the slow times. You will sell a lot of pizza because of b-day parties and such, but why not make that a good part of the business? Of course, that would include franchise fees and additional expenses at startup. Either way, fresh pizza is a must. I don’t think the town is big enough for a 3-d theater. A whole, new theater, now that would be a different story, but not just a 3-d one.
Do people still play laser tag?
yes we are putting in a nice snack bar, with pizza, nacho’s, hot dogs etc… and also we are putting in a nice aracade, pool tables, air hockey, and self redemption games.
sounds great! I’ll enjoy playing…I mean taking my kids there.