While many homes, streets and businesses suffered financial and property losses due to the massive rainstorms that hit Contra Costa County in December last year, Paradise Skate Roller Rink in Antioch was no exception.
“When we had the storms starting on Dec. 31, the storm drains failed and flooded our rink, entirely warping our maple wood floor,” said Owner and General Manager Jeff Warrenburg. “The creek next to the rink flooded and the run-off flooded our building about six inches deep.”
Known as the only roller rink in Far East Contra Costa County, Warrenburg said the rink, formerly called Roller Haven, first opened in 1969. He took ownership on Jan. 1, 2008 and has enjoyed it ever since.
“I love watching families make happy memories with their kids,” he said.
Born in Berkeley, raised in Garberville, he moved to Willits his junior year in high school and moved to Fremont after high school. He also owned Pixieland Amusement Park in Concord from 1999 to 2005 – so he knows a lot about the family entertainment business.
With demolition and reconstruction efforts underway, Warrenburg said they started a GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs in restoring the rink. Their estimated new opening date is set for June, 2023.
“We are asking for donations to help cover the cost of completely removing and replacing our maple floor and carpets, so we can continue operating for years to come,” he said.
Their GoFundMe page can be found here https://www.gofundme.com/f/paradise-skate-flood.
Located at 1201 West 10th Steet, Antioch, Warrenburg said he can’t wait for the doors to open again.
“When we open back up, our hours will be the same as before for public skating, birthday parties, The Skating Club, Speed skating and roller derby,” he said.
Kris Martell donated to the rink's fundraiser and posted a special note to go with it.
“I don't get to skate at Paradise as much as I'd like to, but my happiest skating memories live at this rink,” wrote Martell. “Memories I hold closer to my heart than my childhood memories playing hockey. Paradise is a special place to me and supporting this local gem means the world to me.”
In addition to roller skating (inline wheels or traditional four-wheels), the rink has something for the entire family - it boasts a game arcade area to include Crane Game, Air Hockey and games of chance.
“Some of the games award tickets that can be redeemed for items in our Stuff Shop,” said Robert Bruce, operations manager.
The snack bar serves chicken nuggets and wings, hotdogs, French fries, nachos, popcorn, personal and large pizzas, mini donuts, chips, cotton candy, pretzels, soft drinks, juice, beer and wine (for adults).
“We do not allow outside food or drinks and the snack bar menu can change at any time, due to availability,” said Warrenburg.
Not a roller skater himself, “I just haven’t had time to take lessons,” Warrenburg said he has had a celebrity roll around his rink in the past – an American rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, community organizer and activist.
“Mistah F.A.B. from the Bay Area came here,” said Warrenburg.
Once the roller rink doors are open again, hours will be Friday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for private events and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday noon to 2 p.m., 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for adult session ages 18 and up.
Post pandemic and now, post flooding, Warrenburg can’t wait to serve his community again with his roller rink.
“Paradise Skate Roller Rink is a fresh air of excitement and downright fun,” he said. “We are committed to providing a fun, safe and clean environment staffed by friendly folks. It’s a fun place where a family can enjoy great times.”
Visit them at www.ParadiseSkate.com or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseSkate.
Paradise Skate Roller Rink
1201 W 10th St
Antioch, CA 94509
(925) 779-0200
