When Arlys “Pops” Talbert opened the original Skate World in the early 1970s, it occupied a 2,000-square-foot building at the corner of Memorial Boulevard and Lakeland Hills Boulevard, now the site of a 7-Eleven.
Chanel Bellotto, Talbert’s granddaughter and the current owner of the skating rink, cannot even comprehend being in such a small space. Bellotto has decided that the 12,000-square-foot building that now houses Skate World is due for some up-sizing.
Bellotto hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday to mark the start of an expansion that will add 3,000 square feet of space to the facility at 911 N. Lake Parker Ave. Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz and Steve Scruggs of the Lakeland Economic Development Council attended the event.
Skate World is celebrating its 50th year at its current location.
History of Skate World
Bellotto’s parents, Adonis Dedes and Arleen Talbert (the founder’s daughter), bought the rink in 1977, the year before Chanel was born.
Bellotto, a graduate of Florida Southern College, began running the business after the sudden death of her father, Adonis Dedes, in 2007.
Skate World has a staff of about 20, including part-time workers. It hosts school field trips, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons, as well as fundraising events and private parties, along with open skating.
What is happening?
Bellotto said the project will add a private party room, a game room area, an improved kitchen for employees and renovated, family-friendly bathrooms compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act. In other changes, the changing room will be closer to the skating floor.
The additions will about the south and west ends of the building. That will cause the loss of some parking spaces, but Bellotto said new parking will be available at a church behind Skate World.
The business will use a temporary entrance for the first months of construction, Bellotto said. She expects to close for five weeks starting in August as a wall is removed.
Previous improvements
Bellotto said she seeks to upgrade the facility every year. She has added light shows, replaced tables and bought new skates in recent years.
In 2011, Skate World spent $100,000 to replace its skating surface with a new floor that Bellotto said is laser-leveled for flatness.
Why the expansion?
“We finally got to the point where we just needed a little bit more,” Bellotto said. “I’ve really struggled with adding it, cost-wise and all of that, and I’m very strong in my faith and God tells us to be content with what we have. And so I’ve really struggled with adding this 3,000 square feet, but I’ve just prayed about it and I just feel like this is the next step that we need to take because our community is growing.”
Bellotto said the expansion will likely mean an increase in her staff.
“One thing I love to employ is 16- and 17-year-olds,” Bellotto said. “It’s their first job, and it’s a great opportunity for them to learn accountability and responsibility and in a fun environment.”