Pigeon’s Roller Rink Opens as a Pop-Up Skate Venue for the Thriving So Cal Roller Skate Community
Like most action sports, roller skating’s popularity rose dramatically during the pandemic, but the years preceding this new-wave skating boom were not as kind to the sport. In 2020 two notorious roller skating rinks in Los Angeles closed, leaving the entire county with only one full-time roller rink. But now, rolling skating is back, and with more skaters in Southern California, than there have been in decades, the public demand for a true private venue for roller skaters is greater than any time since the 1970s. Luckily, Shayna “Pigeon” Meikle has been working on building just that.
Pigeon was an LAUSD Science Teacher who left her scholastic career in 2013 to follow her passion for roller skating. She founded Beach Cities Roller Derby in 2012 and she currently operates Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop in Long Beach, CA, where she keeps her finger on the pulse of the skating community.
“The rinks were closing, skaters were getting kicked off basketball courts and tennis courts….you can skate outside but it’s not always safe for everyone.”
Once she started searching for a location for her new rink, it didn’t take long for the leasing manager of the premium retail center 2nd & PCH to reach out. They contacted Pigeon about a beautiful 8000 square foot, open-air vacancy. After one lap around the polished concrete floor, she knew this would be the perfect spot for her pop-up rink.
The 2nd & PCH property is an outdoor mall that opened in 2019 with a vision to be the ultimate gathering place, providing the community with refined retail and dining experiences, and for at least a limited time, thrilling entertainment on eight wheels. Pigeon’s Roller Rink will take the space for a 4-month preliminary vacancy (pop-up) with the possibility of staying permanently.
The roller venue will offer skate classes, public skate sessions, and private parties. The variety of classes offered are extensive, including but not limited to; skate fitness, roller derby, beginner skate lessons, dance and choreography, artistic skating, and a kids club. The location will include a small shop for accessories, merchandise, and a small selection of equipment for repair, but make sure to get your skates at their local skate shop, Pigeon’s Roller Skate Shop on 4th Street Retro Row, Long Beach. The team at Pigeon’s has been a valuable resource for the roller-skating community since 2013 and is excited to enjoy this space with the community this Fall.