Skating rinks, mini golf in CA, are they still profitable? (Santa Barbara: RV park, neighborhood)

[the city]

I was reading that in Goleta, CA (near Santa Barbara) the city and many people threw many into a new ice skating rink.

Then I think about my area, which had a traditional recreational mini golf and roller skating rink that closed in a small beach town. Many people were so mad when the skating rink closed because it was profitable, but the land lord closed it down for an RV park, which the land lord saw would be more profitable. Even worse is the city granted him the zoning change for that land.

Now, we have a roller hockey rink in the college town that has rec skating sometimes. I have seen many roller hockey rinks have roller hockey sport games early in the day and rec skating in late afternoon and in the night. The last city manager put some of his money and worked hard for the new rink. Yet, our city has hardly done anything to publicize or get a company or hire staff to run the rec side of the facility. The same goes for our skate park which, until recently, was greatly neglected. I know skate parks aren't profitable at all, but I believe are very important.

Our current city council right now is a bit selective on developments they approve. They are against large scale commercial development (fair enough), but strongly support certain large housing projects and downtown redevelopment. I can't fathom why this city would deny new recreational needs for a growing young family population?

[BayAreaHillbilly]

They are shutting down up here in the Bay Area. Land is too valuable.

[Snort]

I like the idea of a combo ice skating/miniature golf course. Both activities could be improved with the extra challenge.

[the city]

Originally Posted by Snort

I like the idea of a combo ice skating/miniature golf course. Both activities could be improved with the extra challenge.

I think it's rare to see that. Chico combined roller skating with mini golf though. I think Rohnert Park has the same.

Where do young kids go for fun these days? Movie theaters, bowling, and skate parks is pretty much it in same places if you take away the skating rinks and mini golf.

[BeauCharles]

Most kids park in front of the TV with a game controller in their hands. Many parents won't let them outside to roam the neighborhood and if they go somewhere (like mini golf or a skating rink - if they still exist in their town) the parents drive them. I see it will my ten year old nephew. His parents won't let him go anywhere on his own and we are in a fairly small town. He's fat as a tick because all he does is play on the computer or his XBOX after school. Its a shame.

[Ruth4Truth]

Roller skating is a great date idea for adults, too, it's not just for kids. Roller rinks are perfect for kids' birthday parties, though. Maybe since people have been skating outdoors, indoor rinks were viewed by business owners as no longer needed or wanted...?

[Malloric]

Ours kind of is. The old one, which was your disco-themed rink, closed up. There's a new one that's much more adult/sports focused. It's in an old warehouse outside of town. It's quite a bit larger, regulation hockey size for indoor soccer. It's got the roller derby league, roller hockey, indoor soccer. It's busy on those days. I've never been there when it's general session. I'm just going to guess that the answer is no. This one basically just looks like a warehouse with a modular floor slapped down.

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Originally Posted by BeauCharles

Most kids park in front of the TV with a game controller in their hands. Many parents won't let them outside to roam the neighborhood and if they go somewhere (like mini golf or a skating rink - if they still exist in their town) the parents drive them. I see it will my ten year old nephew. His parents won't let him go anywhere on his own and we are in a fairly small town. He's fat as a tick because all he does is play on the computer or his XBOX after school. Its a shame.

Doncha know? There is a child abduction on every block, every day. And there are 1000X as many child abductions as there were in 1950. /sarc

[pch1013]

Depends on whether you can find a way to give them hipster appeal, as certain bowling alleys (also an endangered species) have done.

[the city]

Originally Posted by BayAreaHillbilly

Doncha know? There is a child abduction on every block, every day. And there are 1000X as many child abductions as there were in 1950. /sarc

that's a pretty grim point of view.