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Local family saves roller skating rink from being footnote in city's history

Chris Ayala, near, and David Wakefield make their way around the roller rink as part of the DARE Skate Party in April 2007. (Julie Smith/News Tribune file photo)

By Kris Hilgedick
khil@newstribune.com
Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 4:37 PM CDT
Until last week, it seemed almost certain Marvic Roller Rink would become a nostalgic footnote in Jefferson City's history. But on Thursday, the rink was saved by a local family of speed-skating enthusiasts.

The new facility will be called the “SK8 Zone.”

Joyce and Joe Thiess stepped forward to buy the facility. It will be operated by their daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jon Esterline. The couple has one daughter, 10-year-old Ryan.

Both Lisa and Ryan are state champion speed-skaters in their divisions. Lisa, 35, was ranked one of the top two athletes for inline skating nationally. She's also trained at the Olympic Training Center.

Skating brought Jon and Lisa together.

“We skated for the same speed team in Springfield, Missouri, when I went down there for school,” said Lisa.

John's family owned a rink in Marshfield in the 1970s. He worked at another skating facility in Bolivar, in high school. “And we managed one in Bolivar in college together,” he added.

The property purchase was completed Thursday.

A year ago it seemed the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission was the only group interested in operating the rink. But last March, members of that board announced they couldn't afford the purchase.

It looked as if the Marvic Skating Rink was a goner - destined as mini-storage space, for sure.

Instead the family hopes a more energetic business plan and new ideas will inject new life into the activity.


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Thanks.

oriley wrote on Apr 21, 2008 12:58 PM:

" I think it is great they are opening the rink back up...missed it! "

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penny4thought wrote on Apr 19, 2008 1:22 PM:

" Glad to see and investment in the youth of our community, too bad it wasn't the community investing in that population. "

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boscoe wrote on Apr 18, 2008 11:27 AM:

" Yes somewhat tongue in cheek. However, who knows-- there may be several folks interested in Adult (nude) skating in Jeff City. Roller skating might be OK, but I can't see how ice skating would be that great of an idea, especially with the cold ice and the sharp blades... "

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2warped757 wrote on Apr 18, 2008 7:20 AM:

" boscoe - I'm thinking your response to Herbie was "tongue in cheek" - but I kind of agree with Herbie - it would be nice if there was a time when adults who would be interested in skating could go and not have to dodge the kids. I used to skate and haven't for about 15 years. I'm thinking it would come back to me, but would feel a lot more secure knowing I could try without having to either avoid little ones who are wobbly, or have the good skaters try to avoid me! If you don't ask, you certainly won't get! "

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boscoe wrote on Apr 17, 2008 7:24 PM:

" Herbie wrote: " Hope they have an adults only night. "

We don't have any of that Adult Entertainment in the city limits. Ask Texas T's what happens when they tried it. "

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Herbie wrote on Apr 17, 2008 4:37 PM:

" Hope they have an adults only night. "

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wanswurld wrote on Apr 17, 2008 12:52 AM:

" Glad to see someone take a step in keeping the skating rink open. I used to go there and know alot of youngsters who'll be glad to have the chance to enjoy the rink as it has been for years. Parks & Rec. are about as capable of maintaining the rink as I am of becoming president. The P&R can't deal with what is expected of them now, but maybe they could if they only had more of taxpayers money to waste. I doubt it. "

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JCRSC wrote on Apr 17, 2008 12:09 AM:

" The Jefferson City Roller Skating Club congradulates the new owners of the rink and will be working closely with them to expand our existing speed team. We know the Esterlines well and are certain they will be a real asset to the city. Children and adults have a location for healthy, entertainment. Relive the fun. Go roller skating and bring your spouses, children and grandchildren. "

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intheknow1 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 11:15 PM:

" The new owners sound like they put the interest of the consumers and their patrons first. Maybe Parks and Rec could take some lessons from this private venture. I understand there is some very serious trouble brewing again in the world of Lockwood. "

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go4it2 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:45 PM:

" I'm so glad to hear that Marvic's was bought by someone who also loves to skate. I use to go there every Fri&Sat when i was a kid. There's nothing here in Jefferson City for the kids to do and be able to afford going. Another big " THAMK YOU " "

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boscoe wrote on Apr 16, 2008 6:22 PM:

" I'm glad that the rink has been given another opportunity. Also, I'm glad Parks and Rec didn't get it. They would not have maintained it very well and it would soon be an expensive liability like many of the other P&R involvments. I see in tonight's paper they are going to ask for MORE TAX MONEY to build a community center, Adrian's Island, greenways, etc. When will they ever get enough money? They have their earmarked sales tax- when will this bloated division ever get enough of our money? "

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barbhump wrote on Apr 16, 2008 12:13 PM:

" Mary and Vic are smiling, I'm sure. They were so very proud of their family and the rink. What a wonderful legacy they left, and now it can continue. I spent many, many hours on Michigan and Marvic's is one of my most favorite memories of good times and good friends. "

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missjc wrote on Apr 16, 2008 10:45 AM:

" This is great news, my kids are so excited. But I would like to make a suggestion to the new owners if they happen to read this, I loved Marvic's I went every weekend as a child it was a great place to be with friends but my only suggestion is to maybe make the hours that they are opened a little longer, maybe all day on Sat and Sun I know they would make a lot of money by doing this and it wouldn't be so crowded all of the time. But again this is great news and my family will for sure be attending!! "

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melissa1 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 10:33 AM:

" I know Lisa and she has what it takes to make this a success! Good luck and thanks for saving our skating rink!! I can't wait to see Lisa and her family at the rink. "

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unreconstructed wrote on Apr 16, 2008 9:47 AM:

" FEWJC wrote: "Yes, Parks and Recreations missed a good thing but the reality is that the public and our children will be better off with it not being operated by the city. Now we, the members of the public, must support the new owers and show them by our patronage that we appreciate what they have done. "

I couldn't agree more. For all those complaining the Parks and Rec missed an opportunity, wouldn't you really rather see a business in private ownership? This makes far more sense to me, I hope the new owners reap a great benefit for their investment in Jeff. City.
"

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ndnlvngcherokee wrote on Apr 16, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Great job from a great JC family. This is a great way for kids to get safe fun plus the added exercise they dont realize they are getting...used to go there all the time as a young kid and teen...will defently be taking my kids...Way To Go...nice to see families investing in JC for family fun! "

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Justin wrote on Apr 16, 2008 9:35 AM:

" Well im very happy to hear this as well!! It's nice to see that this place will still be around. My kids are just now learning how to skate, and im happy to know they will have the opportunity to skate there and have as much fun as i did skating when i was growing up. "

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FEWJC wrote on Apr 16, 2008 9:05 AM:

" It is nice to know that there are still people who want to provide entertainment and exercise for all the people of Jefferson City, not just the people who agree with their views. Yes, Parks and Recreations missed a good thing but the reality is that the public and our children will be better off with it not being operated by the city. Now we, the members of the public, must support the new owers and show them by our patronage that we appreciate what they have done. "

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zandar wrote on Apr 16, 2008 8:23 AM:

" I learned how to skate at Marvic when I was a kid. I'm really glad the old place is being saved and definitely plan on taking my kids. "

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Apple27 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 8:04 AM:

" This is really great, I had a lot of fun at Marvics as a kid. Now our children will have that opportunity. I'm glad someone bought it, but again, JC missed out on another good investment. "

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2warped757 wrote on Apr 16, 2008 7:38 AM:

" I was a big fan of roller skating when I was a kid (and Marvic was on Michigan St.) I still think I'd like to try it again sometime - now I may get the chance. Thanks for keeping a JC tradition going!!! "

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psiblue wrote on Apr 16, 2008 6:34 AM:

" I can't beleive Parks & Rec couldn't come up with a huge load of family-oriented activities (including skating and developing the grounds) to make the place one of the most unique & diverse venues in the state; awful! Well, they still have their cheasy TV commercials. "

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intheknow3 wrote on Apr 15, 2008 8:33 PM:

" The patrons are so lucky that the roller rink did not become part of the Parks & Rec facilities. "

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mrh wrote on Apr 15, 2008 8:22 PM:

" This is wonderful to hear. My children spent a lot of safe time at Marvic; it has been a great place for kid and teen parties. Continued entertainment for Jeff City and a couple of jobs on the side. It doesn’t get any better. Thank you Thiesses for stepping up when P&R failed. "

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sandhouse wrote on Apr 15, 2008 6:50 PM:

" Very good news!

Hopefully they will bring back the speed team and upgrade the food. That facility could be a cash cow if the kitchen was putting out some quality eats and the programming was updated.

Marvic's Great Skate had a great run. Congratulations and thank you so much for providing so many years of fun. I'm glad you are finally free to pursue your future plans!!
We'll miss you very much!!

I still think the P&R Board dropped the ball on this. It would have been a sound investment for the city to make. Instead, the city spends 100Ks putting in sewer pipes for private companies.

Congratulations on the new business!!
LONG LIVE ROLLER SKATING IN JEFFERSON CITY!! "

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Average Joe wrote on Apr 15, 2008 6:48 PM:

" Now that is some great news!!! Thank you Thiess family. "

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boxergal wrote on Apr 15, 2008 5:39 PM:

" This is so nice. "

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go_fish wrote on Apr 15, 2008 4:47 PM:

" Congrats for stepping up to the plate. You've hit a home run! "

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