Antioch Rink closed due to recent storm damage

One of the few remaining roller skating rinks in the bay area is temporarily closed to operations following flooding.

Two weeks ago, the first wave of the storm left Antioch’s Paradise Skate several inches filled with water, destroying the ice rink floor.

On Friday, Paradise Skate workers were on the alert again. They put sandbags and plastic covering the front doors.

The damage is so severe inside that they don’t know how long it will take to repair.

“Mother nature has decided to pour a lot of water on us. So our building flooded. There was 3 to 4 inches of water in the building. Unfortunately, our wooden floor was bent by the water,” said Bob Bruce, Paradise Skate manager.

The floors were already dry, but the water had warped the maple floor.

It’s no longer flat and smooth and doesn’t even come close to being a skater’s paradise.

“The carpet has to come out. Paul has to come out. It’s not something you just pick up in one piece. It’s very heavy,” Bruce said.

Owner Jeff Warrenburg had to temporarily close the skating rink and is waiting for the storm to subside to begin repairs.

“We offer so many activities for families. On birthdays we have an art skate club, a speed club, we have a roller derby, all these kids, adults and families are left without entertainment until we can lay the floor, ”he said.

10-year-old Olli Larsen and his 8-year-old sister Julene usually go ice skating at least once a week. They are frustrated with the damage.

“It’s crazy because when we go to afterschool it’s one of the things I do and I’m good at it and now it annoys me that I can’t go to practice,” said Julan Larsen.

“I hope they have enough money so they can replace things there.”

A GoFundMe was created to help pay for the repairs, which are expected to cost at least $200,000.

The owner does not have flood insurance but is determined to do whatever it takes to reopen.