In the 1970s and 1980s people would make a point to go roller skating. In the 1990s, along came in-line skates, which resemble ice skates more than roller skates, and they became all the rage.

Now in the 2020s, skating is experiencing a renaissance.

And the Russell Roller Rink is right in the middle.

Owner Mike Sharp said the old rink was located in the borough since the 1940s, but burned in 1983. Since 1993, the rink has been located at 7385 Market St.

Russell Roller Rink Owner Mike Sharp is getting a drink at the snack bar for a patron.

Sharp said he has been around roller skates and rinks since he was child as his parents owned a rink in Levant.

He said one of the reasons roller skating is making a resurgence is because it is a family-friendly outing.

“I think the biggest thing is the fact that it’s something that kids can do with their parents. … It’s something they can both relate to and enjoy,” Sharp said.

Sharp said COVID also may be responsible for the popularity rejuvenation.

“COVID really did a lot for roller skating,” he added. “There was so many people trying to figure out something to do in their house. And all of a sudden, a little explosion took off where people started making videos of themselves skating in their houses. And I think that’s really helped a lot. Everything goes in ebbs and flows.”

OBSERVER PHOTOS by Michael Zabrodsky Patrons wait for orders at the snack bar.

At the rink, he said, some parents still skate with quad skates while other skaters use in-line skates.

“I personally like my quad skates better in lines,” he said. “I think a lot of it has to do with is like if you’re an ice skater, you’d like to inline skates a little bit more. It’s just you’re used to that action. Me, I’m more of a roller skater.”

From 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays are the busiest public skate sessions, Sharp said. Other sessions include Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. On Wednesdays fitness classes are held. Private birthday parties are about 40% of his business, Sharp noted.

Digitized music makes it easier for Sharp to take requests. “I’ve got two computers. And I’ve got all of the music backed up in two places, just because you never know what might happen,” he said.

Sharp always makes sure the rink is safe, so on any given public session there are three to five skate guards on the floor. The few rules are simple: no horseplay, and skate in one direction.

Kendra Tudor, a ninth-grader at Warren Area High School, said she likes hanging with her friends at the roller rink.

Jayelyn Christensen, an employee who works at the skate counter, handing out skates, and as a skate guard said “I make sure everyone is being safe on the floor, and helping people (after a fall, get) up when they need it.”

For more information, call 814-757-5283 or visit russellrollerink.com.