rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TROY — Skateland in Troy has been a staple to the community for many years. Recently, Victory Church bought the business from Charlie Earle and decided to keep it going.
“In December of 2019 I heard it was for sale. It was a Friday night and we were craving one of Charlie Earle’s famous chicken wing pizzas,” said Josh Payne, the Lead Pastor of Victory Church.
“When I went to pick it up, I mentioned Skateland being for sale to Charlie. It was really important to him that whoever would be purchasing it could move it forward so the tradition continued. The rest is history.”
Payne says one of the most common misconceptions is that it will no longer be a skating rink, but another Victory church, which he says is not true. Victory plans to continue to serve the public as a skating rink., now named Sk8Zone.
From day one, Victory Church has set out to be a blessing to the community.
“We work from the principle Jesus gave us ‘Freely you have received, now freely go and give.’ For the last 16 years our hand has been extended to others, not so people can give, but so they can come to receive,” said Payne.
The church has been involved in projects such as Operation Free Christmas Tree, Hallelujah Night (free fall carnival), helping the elderly renovate their homes, feeding and clothing those in need and much, much more.
“We see Skateland as an opportunity to continue the Victory legacy of blessing our community by meeting the needs of youth and families for decades to come,” said Payne.
“Over the years we have found creative ways to meet needs and show people just how much they matter to God and to us.”
According to Payne, the entire facility will be renovated from top to bottom, both inside and out. The exterior will showcase a fresh modern farmhouse feel to remain tasteful and timeless for years to come while not taking away from the natural beauty of the setting.
When visitors step inside the building, they will see some really amazing upgrades that highlight the architectural beauty of the original building with a feel that is very open and inspiring.
Lighting and the sound system will be updated as well. Each skate has been renewed and the floor re-done.
“Another great addiction is HVAC so SK8ZONE will now be operational year-round. And of course, the snack bar to keep you refreshed while having fun. Sk8Zone will still be available to host birthday parties and special events,” said Payne.
Sk8Zone will host weekend skating on Fridays and Saturdays, plus special events during the week and the option for private parties or corporate rental events. There will be an entry fee that includes skates to cover operational expenses.
“The goal is for Sk8Zone to be affordable fun for everyone,” said Payne.
“One new addition will be REV YOUTH on Wednesday nights. REV YOUTH is a regional youth gathering to encourage and inspire teens to find their destiny and fulfill their purpose. REV YOUTH is totally free and open to students from 6th-12th grades who attend schools across our region.”
For Josh and Victory Church, Skateland has become more than just a landmark for the community, but also a local legend.
“It started in 1959 and people have been making memories there for more than 60 years now. From birthday parties, to dates, and even first kisses, Skateland has been a right of passage. That’s why it is so important in a day when economy is contracting that we continue to find creative ways to keep our community growing and expanding, moving forward for the next generation,” he said.
Payne goes on to say that all proceeds will be reinvested into the children and youth in the region.
“It’s a win-win situation. We see Sk8Zone as a safe, fun, life-giving center where the youth of our region will come to have fun, receive encouragement, and find inspiration to be their best.”
Payne says Victory plans to open Sk8Zone by the end of the fall season this year.
For more information, go to voiceofvictory.com or Facebook or TROYSKATELAND.com. Victory Church is located at 645 East Main Street in Troy.
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