ANSTED, W.Va. — Despite being in operation for several decades, a lot of people still don’t know that a roller skating rink named America’s most unique is located in Fayette County.
The Ansted Skating Rink is family-owned and was originally opened in 1951 by World War II veteran Russ Skaggs. Several owners later and a 2012 reopening, business owner Karla Sanford said it is a combination of the out-of-the-way location and surrounding environment that make the structure unique.
“It’s an outdoor rink but it’s enclosed and it’s still open to the environment. The best why I describe it is like one of those tree house buildings. The rink itself is open to the environment and you can look out. There’s a creek that runs over to one side of the building and you can see all of the greenery around us. We kind of sit in a hole.”
To get to the structure, patrons must park along Midland Trail (U.S. Route 60) and walk down 78 wooden steps to the rink’s entrance. The rink’s wooden floor is original to the building. Most of the skates date back as far as the 70’s. Its distinctive site is one of the reasons the Ansted Skating Rink has gotten national attention.
In 2016, roller rink enthusiast and blogger Steve Earley, also known as “Sure Grip Steve” named Ansted Skating Rink the “#1 Most Unique Skating Rink You Must Visit Before You Die”. Other rinks to make the list included the Brooklyn Bridge Skating rink overlooking New York City and a rink built on the second floor of a shopping mall in Hadley, Massachusetts.
Sanford said although generations of local families have enjoyed coming to the Ansted Skating Rink, many still don’t know it even exists.
“It’s so mind-blowing. This rink has been here since 1951 and still people who live locally don’t know it exists. It was open for the most part. People still from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s didn’t know it was here.”
One of Sanford’s favorite parts of running the rink is providing an experience and a learning opportunity for area youth.
“I love to see the kids learn something that’s beyond a video game,” said Sanford. “I love that they have a great time here. It’s good, clean family fun. The community very much supports this establishment. This place is iconic for the area.”
Due to its outdoor setting, the rink is open from spring until fall. The exact opening and closing dates vary each year depending on the weather. Regular business hours are from 6-9 Friday and Saturday nights.
The rink also hosts special events such as kids parties and Halloween activities. New to this year’s schedule are Victory nights to be held after Midland Trail High School home football games. Students can skate until midnight.
“To watch the kids come down here and be with their friends, be with their family and learn what their parents and grandparents did. It’s just something that you can’t get anywhere else.”
More information on the Ansted Skating Rink can be found on their Facebook page.