Tuesday night was an emotional one at Chester Skateland as the longtime roller rink marked the end of an era. Families, former employees, competitive skaters, and longtime regulars gathered one final time to celebrate nearly five decades of memories made inside the Chesterfield County institution. For many in attendance, the evening felt less like the closing of a business and more like saying goodbye to a second home. The rink echoed with music, conversation, and reflection as skaters took their final laps around the floor that had become a staple of the community for generations.
Chester Skateland originally opened in the late 1970s and was owned for decades by the family of Cindy Schrader, who currently serves as the rink’s general manager and head coach. Even after ownership changed, the family remained involved in the operation of the rink.
Over the years, Chester Skateland became much more than a place to skate. It hosted birthday parties, competitions, school outings, family nights, and community events. For many local families, it became a tradition passed down through generations. “It’s an amazing rink with a really special community,” said Sommer Bognar, a coach and longtime member of the skating community. “Nowhere else has been family run since the day it opened. Not in Virginia at least.” Bognar said her connection to the rink goes back decades through family ties within the artistic skating world. “I’ve known the family my whole life because I was born into another skating family,” she said. “Our families go back forever.”
While many people came to the rink recreationally, Chester Skateland also developed a respected artistic skating program that produced high level competitors. The club currently includes three members of the World Team, including a recent World silver medalist. Schrader herself was a World Champion in team dance skating, while another current coach, Cathy Grubbs, previously competed on the World Team in pairs skating. Debbie Wright has also coached at Chester Skateland for nearly 30 years after moving to the rink when her longtime home rink, Golden Skateworld, closed in 1999. Throughout its history, the club has also hosted numerous World Team members and champions.
“Skating is a lifetime sport,” Bognar said. “Any age, any skill level. It’s one of the few activities that really has something for everyone.”
The closure comes at a difficult time for competitive skaters, with regional competitions only weeks away and nationals approaching later this summer. Many athletes and coaches are now trying to secure new practice locations and reorganize training schedules. “Instead of practicing and preparing for competition, we were cleaning out the rink and trying to figure out a plan,” Bognar said. Some skaters are expected to continue training at Skateaway in Midlothian, while others may relocate to Ashland. For some families, however, the additional travel could make continuing in the sport difficult.
Beyond the sport itself, many community members say the loss represents the disappearance of a rare kind of gathering place. Chester Skateland remained one of the few affordable, family friendly entertainment spaces that welcomed people of all ages and skill levels.
As for the building itself, the property is reportedly in the final stages of being purchased by Hope Point Church, which plans to convert the facility into its third campus.
As the final song played Tuesday night, it marked the end of countless moments shared over nearly five decades. It was the last couples skate, the final dimming of the lights, and the final chance for the crowd to glide together in sync with the music that filled Chester Skateland for generations.
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