Roller Valley announced closure after 42 years, citing death of longtime owner

Roller Valley, the long-standing skate rink off of Dishman Mica Road, will close its doors Sept. 1, following the death of its owner.

The rink announced the closure Wednesday on Facebook after 42 years in operation. A goodbye party will be planned later, the post said.

Colleen Bernstein, the owner of the rink, died Aug. 10, according to an obituary. Family members are trying to sell the business, Roller Valley said on Facebook.

Many longtime customers shared memories of learning to skate or bringing their children to the roller rink.

“Being a second generation Roller Valley kid I spent many pre-teen and teenage years in this place. I will always cherish the friendships I gained and will never forget the kindness of the the Bernstein family,” wrote Aaron Loncon.

The Spokannibals, one of several women’s roller derby leagues in the Inland Northwest, as well as the Pixies, a junior team, used Roller Valley as a practice venue.

Haley “Annihilate-Her” LeGault, captain of the Spokannibals, said neither team has identified a new practice space.

“Our thoughts go out to Colleen and her family as they go through this tough time,” LeGault wrote in an email. “This is so heartbreaking, but we guess it’s time to move on and look for the next chapter for our team.”

The rink will remain open through the end of the month, with public skate sessions and parties available.