“I would say that the greatest years for roller skating in Golden Gate Park were from 1979 to 1985. Thousands of roller skaters would flock to the park every Sunday to enjoy the closed roads.
I had been running the Golden Gate Park Skate Patrol that began in 1979, and have been working to represent the needs of the skaters and other park users ever since.
Skating Sundays in the park were great, but we needed a place to skate every day. What we really wanted was an outdoor roller rink in Golden Gate Park.”
“Skatin’ Place was officially created in 1984. At the time, 6th Avenue was one of a number of streets in the park that were scheduled to have the asphalt removed to reduce car traffic in the park.
I began working with the local Park Planner and SF Parks Alliance to set this space aside for roller skating. There was a 30-day trial period that was extended to 60 days that turned into 90 days, and then made permanent.
SF Parks Alliance is one of the groups that have always supported every effort we have put forward in Golden Gate Park. When working to get things done in the park, you must have allies! Luckily, SF Parks Alliance has been a wonderful ally!”
“Today, Skatin’ Place is an example of how roller skating should be integrated into the park system of every city. It serves as an oasis of joy for thousands of people to enjoy.”
“Today, Skatin’ Place in Golden Gate Park is an example of how roller skating can and should be integrated into the public park system of every city. It serves as an oasis of joy for thousands of people to enjoy.
People in the surrounding neighborhood love the fun, inclusive, safe and diverse scene. Some come to skate. Some come to watch. Some come to share a fantastic time with their kids and families.
All get to share in a unique San Francisco experience that we need so much more of!”