Skateland means different things to different people.But in amonth, the roller skating rink will be closed to everyone."We're been telling our friends that it's closing, and totry to come more, to have the experience to skate before it shuts down forgood,” seventh-grader Shelby LeBeau said. Skateland Vermont is the state's only roller rink."I think the important thing here is that these childrenare losing a safe place,” said Donald Helton, who worries that his kids willmiss out on much more than just skating. "They're not playing video games. They're not watching TV. They're getting out. They're getting exercise. They're socializing, and not through cellphones. They're socializing one-on-one."Owner Dan Audette posted a statement on the rink's website. It reads, in part:"We are sorry to have to tell everyone this, we did thebest we could during the time we were open. Financially, it just isn't going towork in our area.""Nobody makes fun of you here, so you can be yourselfhere,” said Onika Bedell, 12, “Like, if you fall, people don't laugh."Skateland Vermont first opened in 1977 in Williston, but was closed in 2000 after the original owner died. The EssexJunction location opened in December 2014.The last day for the skating rink will be April 30.

Skateland means different things to different people.But in amonth, the roller skating rink will be closed to everyone.

"We're been telling our friends that it's closing, and totry to come more, to have the experience to skate before it shuts down forgood,” seventh-grader Shelby LeBeau said.


Skateland Vermont is the state's only roller rink.

"I think the important thing here is that these childrenare losing a safe place,” said Donald Helton, who worries that his kids willmiss out on much more than just skating. "They're not playing video games. They're not watching TV. They're getting out. They're getting exercise. They're socializing, and not through cellphones. They're socializing one-on-one."

Owner Dan Audette posted a statement on the rink's website. It reads, in part:

"We are sorry to have to tell everyone this, we did thebest we could during the time we were open. Financially, it just isn't going towork in our area."

"Nobody makes fun of you here, so you can be yourselfhere,” said Onika Bedell, 12, “Like, if you fall, people don't laugh."

Skateland Vermont first opened in 1977 in Williston, but was closed in 2000 after the original owner died. The EssexJunction location opened in December 2014.

The last day for the skating rink will be April 30.