OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — After 73 years of skating, SkateDaze is finally hanging up the skates on March 31, 2019.
An Omaha staple, SkateDaze has been in Omaha for 51 years. In total, SkateDaze has been in operation for 73 years.
Frank Cernik opened his first roller rink in Omaha back in 1946, eventually making his way to Omaha in 1968, building Skateland. The last SkateDaze was built in 1982.
Through fundraising efforts, SkateDaze has donated more than $1.5 million back to Omaha schools and the community.
In a statement, the Cernik family says this was a very tough decision and they will cherish the friendships and relationships they have built over the years.
Full Statment from the Cernik Family:
“It’s with a heavy heart that after 73 years of sharing our love of roller skating with Nebraska, that we are here to say goodbye. SkateDaze we will be closing its doors end of day on Sunday, March 31st, 2019. We have been truly blessed by the support, and patronage of the Omaha community, for which we are forever grateful. We will cherish the relationships and friendships that we have developed over the past seven decades.
This was not an easy decision for us and has been undeniably the most difficult decision we’ve had to make as a business. SkateDaze is a healthy, successful business that has given us years of enjoyment. SkateDaze has been a place full of smiles, love, and family memories. We’ve worked hard to create a safe space for all to learn and grow for generations. Many of you hold us near and dear to your hearts and have treated us as a member of your own family. For which we are without words to express the honor felt by allowing us to be a part of your family, and community. The years have flown by so quickly, and they have gifted us with endless memories and friendships, but It is time for us to retire and pursue our other passions.
As they say, “we were made an offer we couldn’t refuse,” for our building and land; it is our goal to not leave Omaha without a roller-skating facility. We have the best equipment and name in the industry, that is ready and waiting for the next great roller-skating entrepreneur. We will work hard to accomplish that goal until roller-skating returns to Omaha.
-The Cernik Family”
