Neptune Skating in Ogden to offer ‘old school’ roller rink atmosphere
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- Ogden resident Kris Operhal, owner of Neptune Skating, is pictured on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Operhal said he hopes to open the rink by Dec. 26.
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- A rendering of layout inside the future Neptune Skating rink coming to Ogden in December is pictured Wednesday, July 20, 2022.
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- Signage for the Neptune Skating roller rink at 2770 Washington Blvd. is pictured on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Ogden resident Kris Operhal purchased the property to build a roller skate rink reminiscent of the 1990s.
OGDEN — Kris Operhal is throwing it back to the 1990s with his roller rink coming to 2770 Washington Blvd. Operhal purchased the property in April with every intention of building a roller rink.
In addition to bringing the community a roller rink like those he so fondly remembers from the past, Operhal’s Neptune Skating will have an indoor skate park and themed birthday rooms.
While Operhal has yet to receive permits from the city to begin construction, he’s estimating the grand opening to come the day after Christmas, Dec. 26.
Ogden City Planning Manager Barton Brierley said they are looking forward to seeing something in the space, which has had difficulty with long-term occupancy.
But Operhal, with 20 years of experience working in the roller-skating business, says he’s optimistic, having received much enthusiasm from the community on the future rink.
Operhal found a love for roller-skating after coming to the United States from Budapest, Hungary, where he said the activity was not nearly as popular.
Growing up in Washington Terrace, Operhal spent much of his time roller-skating at Classic Skating in Riverdale, which closed in 2003 to open a rink in Layton.
Large family fun centers typically ofter a plethora of activities with costs that can quickly add up, Operhal said, and that’s exactly what he doesn’t want.
“I want to keep it old school and focused on skating,” he said.
According to Operhal, there’s a lack of affordable activities in the area and he aims to change that by offering a place to have fun at a low cost, with prices ranging from $1 on Dollar Skate Night to $20 on Family Night.
All prices include a pair of roller skates. There will, however, be an option to rent in-line skates for those wanting more speed and maneuverability.
Kenny Briggs, who used to skate at Classic Skate in Riverdale, said he can’t wait for the rink to open.
Briggs met Operhal 25 years ago at Classic when Operhal worked there as a DJ. They have been friends ever since.
“I’m praying right now that things go really well for him,” said Briggs, who will be working at the rink once it opens.