Orbit Skate Center To Close After More Than 45 Years

PALATINE, IL — A popular kids hangout spot in Palatine for more than 45 years will be closing at the end of the month, the owner announced recently. Orbit Skate Center will shut its doors March 31 after 46 years in business, owner Sandra Levin announced on the rink's website last week.

"We have decided to sell the building to new owners that will change the use of the facility," Levin wrote. "Once all the details have been finalized we will be happy to go into details. The cost of doing business in Cook County Illinois is just to high to sustain a facility of this size with roller skating."

For Levin, the "cost of doing business" meant maintaining the rink's floor, painting wall murals and constantly renovating the facility. Ultimately, the daily upkeep — which included a monthly $5,000 utility bill and spending $138,000 to fix damage to the floor — became too much.

Levin wouldn't reveal who was buying the facility, which is located across from the Arlington International Racecourse, according to the Daily Herald. Palatine Village Manager told the Herald that a potential buyer has talked with officials about the property, but nothing has been formally filed.

The skate center, which Levin called "the original social network," will keep its regular schedule through the end of March. The rink also will hold a party to thank its loyal customers during the evening session on its final day open.

Since the announcement of the closing, patrons have been expressing their sorrow that the rink will no longer be a place for local kids to spend time at. Here's what some of them had to say on Orbit's Facebook page:

"We spent years at the skate center and my mother worked there in high school … We will be trying our best to come and do one last skate before the sad day comes. You will always be remembered for the great time we always had at the Orbit and the trouble we caused as kids. I still look at those days being the best days we ever had!" —Angela Bloom

"Before kids were glued to their phones Orbit was the place to socialize and pick up chicks on a Friday night." —Steve Schimka

"I will miss this place! This is where I reconnected with my skating passion from high school! I’ve met a lot of amazing people here and made some life long friends. Sorry to see you go!" —Tony Quinones

"This was such a part of my junior high/HS years in the late 70’s-early 80’s. I had amazing white skates with red sparkle wheels with hot pink pom pons with bells on them. A huge rainbow comb sticking out of my back pocket. So many good memories from there! Went back as a parent for my kids school (Winston Canpus Elementary) fund raisers in early 2000’s with the same skates!" —Theresa Scacci-Silva

"Orbit was the first place I ever felt genuinely accepted and comfortable regardless of the circumstances. I've made life long friends here, have amazing memories and I even have one of my best injuries here. But I will forever keep Orbit in my heart, but am sad as hell that I'll never be able to go to Friday night 7-11 cosmic skate." —Shanny Hart

"A big part of the kid in me is crying!! This is truly so sad, had so many fun times here starting in 6th grade!! Loved taking my kids, nephew and niece back here when we visit with family in the summer for a month. Heart broken we won’t be able to enjoy this wonderful roller rink this summer! Thank you for all the fun you brought me as a kid and even in adulthood!!" —Mary Boulter Johnson

"Nooooo!!! That’s where my husband and I had our first date! His 50th birthday party! His 60th birthday party!!! And we loved taking our grandkids there!" —Catherine Sharkey Steinberg

"I’ve been going here since I was 10 yrs old. And, I still skate here at 54 yrs old! So sad to see it close!" —Karen Brunn

Go to Orbit Skate Center's website to read Sandra Levin's full announcement. And go the rink's Facebook page to read more customers' reminisces.

Orbit Skate Center (Photo via Patch archive)