JEDCO CELEBRATES GRAND REOPENING OF ICONIC TERRYTOWN ROLLER RINK

Skate Country Westbank used a JEDCO loan to finance part of the renovations

(TERRYTOWN, La) – Let the good times roll – literally! The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) joined Jefferson Parish leaders to celebrate the long-awaited grand reopening of Skate Country Westbank on Thursday. Damaged during Hurricane Ida, the well-known Terrytown roller rink had been closed for nearly three years. The business invested over $1.1 million in renovations and upgrades to the facility, supported in part by a JEDCO loan.

Founded in 1979, Skate Country Westbank has become a longtime local institution, serving as a hub for safe, family-friendly entertainment on nights and weekends. During Hurricane Ida, the skating rink sustained substantial interior and exterior damage. The business was in no condition to reopen right away. In the years following, Skate Country Westbank owner Bobby Ricouard and his daughter Angie poured their time and resources into renovating the facility. Their hard work and determination paid off. Today, the facility offers skating enthusiasts a state-of-the-art experience, with new carpet, skates, sound and lighting system, and skate floor as well as a larger pro shop, video games, and a new HVAC system. The reopening of the facility created approximately 40 part-time positions.

JEDCO financed a portion of the project. The economic development organization provided Skate Country Westbank with a $100,000 JEDCO Growth Fund (JEDgrow) Loan for working capital associated with the reopening of the facility.

“About two years after Ida, we were a long way from being finished with renovations. Our landlord had helped us financially as much as they possibly could, but we were getting low on money,” said Skate Country owner Bobby Ricouard. “With the unexpected code upgrades, property tax, and insurance, I knew we were not going to financially make it. After going to different banks and getting turned down, I decided to contact JEDCO. If it was not for the financial help from JEDCO at that precise time, we may not have been able to reopen. We are so proud to bring this business back to our community.”

“This project is a perfect example of how JEDCO can be a gamechanger for a small business,” said JEDCO President & CEO Jerry Bologna. “This infusion of capital provided Skate Country with the financial boost it needed to get through its final stretch of renovations. We are so proud to have played a small role in bringing a favorite local business back to the Westbank. We look forward to being a long-term partner and resource for Skate Country in the future.”

Skate Country hosted a soft opening on July 25^th. In its first weekend of operations since Ida, the business saw nearly 1,000 people come through its doors. It is a testament to the need for a facility of its kind in the area.

“For over 45 years, Skate Country has been a West Bank staple, providing a safe place to gather on nights and weekends,” said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. “It’s closure after Hurricane Ida dealt a significant blow to the community, but our business owners are resilient and resourceful. We commend Skate Country Westbank for its perseverance and continued investment in Jefferson Parish.  I am delighted to celebrate the long-awaited grand reopening of this important local business. It means so much to our residents!”

“I am proud to celebrate the grand reopening of this iconic local roller rink,” said District 1 Councilman Marion Edwards. “This is a meaningful comeback story for Skate Country. The tremendous resilience, grit, and determination shown by Bobby and Angie has helped bring an important recreational space back into commerce while also creating new jobs and opportunities for our residents. What a special day for our community.”

Skate Country is currently open in the evenings on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 1pm-10pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission ranges from $8-$15, depending upon the date and time of the skate session. Skate rental is $5. The company will begin booking parties and events on August 9^th.  The business is located at 1100 Terry Parkway in Terrytown, La.

About Skate Country Westbank:

For 45 years, Skate Country Westbank has served as a premier location for safe, family-friendly fun! The Terrytown-based roller rink offers retro vibes and affordable recreational options. Skate Country Westbank offers a variety of sessions: Adult Night (Thursdays, 8-11pm), Top Music Chart Night (Fridays and Saturdays, 7-10pm), Family Matinee (Saturdays and Sundays, 1-3:30pm, 4-6:30pm) and Sunday Night Skate (Sundays, 7-10pm). The business offers private and public party packages. Skate Country Westbank also offers fundraisers and field trips for schools and other organizations and skating lessons for all levels of expertise. Once a year, the Skate Country hosts a three-night event where skaters from all over the country are invited to Jefferson Parish to skate at the rink.  Learn more at www.skatecountrywb.com.