The Long Lake Skating Rink In Portage Is Now Gone

Last year, a staple hang-out spot in Portage was closed for good on Friday, June 1. The Long Lake Roller Rink in Portage first opened in June of 1952. When they finally decided to shut the doors for good, owner Danette Carpenter-Little told WWMT, “It's been 65 years, that's a good run. And I want to go out and find out what other people do on Friday nights.” Other people in the community also recalled how special the skating rink was, like Paula Taylor who said, “Since the day they opened the doors in 1952 and I'm still skating today. I'm skating today with my baby. I have grand-kids and great grand-kids that skate here, too.”

Now, the memories of the skating rink are just that. Last week the building was officially demolished. Adam Kirby, a local resident, posted this picture of the main rink building in rubble.