Skylite Roller Skating In Worcester Announces Closing

WORCESTER, MA — After countless birthday parties, pizza parties and neon nights, the Skylite Roller Skating Center in Worcester is closing.

The owners of the venerable roller-skating rink along Park Avenue announced the closure Monday night in a Facebook post and on the company website.

"The decision to close Skylite was not an easy one," the owners wrote on the website Monday. "The generations of families and all of our customers have meant so much to us. Your loyalty and support over the years made our business what it was, and we want to thank you very much."

The facility was opened in 1981 by husband and wife Richard and MJ Fors. Richard died in 2003, and MJ kept on running the business through today, according to the Telegram and Gazette.

Skylite was open for skating up until March 15 when Gov. Charlie Baker ordered nonessential businesses to close. The rink began selling takeout pizza and other snacks in late spring, but never reopened for skating.

Skylite's closing leaves few options for the retro pastime. The closest indoor skating venue to Worcester is Roller Kingdom in Hudson.