Skateland Rink Closes, Will Be Renamed Trebek Center

NORTHRIDGE, CA — “My daughter got brand new skates last year a week before everything closed, we had planned on going that week...We never got our last trip...Thank you so much for the memories.”

“This place was the outlet to my breaking out of a 10-year depression and great times...I will always treasure these memories forever! Thanks for all the great times! You will be missed!”

“Met some of THE most coolest people there I’m blessed to say are still in my life. SO many fun and happy memories. No more Tuesday nights, couples or backward skating.”

Over 1,000 more people posted similar comments online when Northridge Skateland announced Thursday that after 63 years, the beloved skating rink was finally closing its doors for good. Commenters waxed nostalgic about birthday parties, teenage dates, random Friday nights with friends - happy memories that seem even more distant after over a year of lockdown.

“We would like to thank you, our loyal skaters, for your love and support over the past 63 years that Skateland has been in business,” the rink said in a statement. “For all of us who skated at Skateland, we can agree, it really is #1!! We hope you will keep your fond memories of Skateland alive and will continue to “keep on rollin.”

The rink first opened in 1958 as Valley Skateland by Roy and Stan Bannister. In 1968, Richard and Lorraine Fleming purchased the rink, and their sons David and Michael Fleming eventually took it over. The Fleming family turned into an iconic Northridge landmark enjoyed for generations. In November, after months of forced closure, the rink announced it would close for good and would be converted into a homeless shelter.

On Wednesday, Councilmember John Lee will join representatives of Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission and members of Alex Trebek’s family to formally announce that the rink will soon become the Trebek Center, a 23,000-square foot interim housing facility containing 107 beds. The center is named for the late Jeopardy host, who donated generously to the $6 million renovation the center will require. Hope of the Valley CEO Ken Craft and CFO Ronan Vansleve will attend the conference as part of a nine-day, 125-mile run around the San Fernando and Antelope valleys to raise $200,000 for their nonprofit.

"As we look forward to retirement, our desire is to leave a legacy in honor of our parents, Richard & Loraine, and work with Hope of the Valley to create the finest bridge housing in the San Fernando Valley," David and Michael Fleming said in a statement in November.

The brothers also announced that they are auctioning off Skateland memorabilia - including interior furnishings, fixtures, and equipment - online through March 30 at RLSpear.com. The brothers are even selling pieces of the rink’s maple skating floor for $12 per square foot, and donating 20 percent of what they raise to Hope of the Valley. The rink will announce how to bid in an upcoming Facebook post.

In a final statement, the rink thanked its customers, employees, and founders.