Aloha Fun Center, a popular skating rink and arcade in San Jose's Eastridge Mall, is set to close on March 23 due to rising rents. Known for untimed skating, it has been a community staple since 2018, attracting over 1,000 skaters on weekends. The closure leaves local skaters with limited options, underscoring a national trend of declining participation in roller skating, which has fallen by 25% since 2010. Experts highlight the critical role of such venues as 'third places' for teens, fostering essential social interactions and connections in their lives.
The closure of Aloha Fun Center reflects a broader trend of declining roller skating participation, down 25% since 2010, showcasing the loss of public recreational spaces.
Danielle Littman emphasized the importance of 'third places' like skating rinks for teenagers, who rely on such spaces to foster social connections outside their homes and schools.
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