Roller Rink Opening In Poplar

A new recreation opportunity for youth has been created in the Fort Peck Reservation. The Skates’ Roller Rink and Arcade was set to open in Poplar on Wednesday, Jan. 15.

Sunee Erickson, operations manager for the Fort Peck Tribes, feels the roller rink will be well received throughout the area. The rink is located in the former wellness center next to the post office.

“It’s one of the things that we really wanted to showcase and give youth something to do,” Erickson said.

The Fort Peck Tribes’ executive board voted to use American Rescue Plan Act funds for building renovations.

Erickson, who received assistance from Pearl Brown and Terrence Johnson with the project, said the rink now features new flooring and attractive new carpeting. “It looks really nice,” Erickson said.

Work was completed by Dude Rattling Thunder, Tom Weeks and Troy Brown along with their crews.

“We’re really excited about the arcade area,” Erickson said. “We will have 14 games coming in.”

Sizes for shoe rentals range for kids’ 12 to men’s 17.

The building was last used for a roller rink in the early 1990s under the management of Erickson’s mother, Marva Chapman.

The rink will be opened on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The two sessions will consist of 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and 7 to 8:15 p.m. There will be a small entrance fee and a skates rental fee.

In addition, private parties can be held on Sundays. People can also block off an area on other days for private parties. There also the possibility of schools using the rinks on some days.

Available food will include pizza, nachos, hot dogs, pop and water.