After being postponed due to stormy weather on August 9th, Family Skate Night finally rolled into action on Friday, August 23rd, under perfect evening skies at McGuire Field, 2331 Bergen Avenue. The event, sponsored by Millennium Development, Blue Skate LLC and Kiwanis International, marked a delightful return of roller skating to the Bergen Beach neighborhood.
Families, kids and community members of all ages came together for an evening brimming with laughter, music and, most importantly, skating. The summer sunset event brought family fun times and joy to the neighborhood, creating a vibrant and exhilarating atmosphere for everyone, as the season soon ends.
“It’s wonderful to see the kids and everyone enjoying themselves in the neighborhood,” said Paul Curiale, Executive Director of Millennium Development. Alongside Curiale, other attendees included Terri Cadet-Donald, Supervisor for Bergen Beach Youth Organization/Millennium, who stopped by the skating booth to lend a hand.
Family Skate Night was all about bringing people together for a fun, active evening before the school year kicks off. Mark Pohl of Kiwanis International expressed the importance of such events for the community, stating, “Our goal is to allow kids to have a nice, enjoyable time before school starts. It’s about creating memories and providing a safe, fun space for families.”
The event featured two skating sessions, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m. Skates of all sizes and protective padding were available for all participants, ensuring everyone could join in on the fun. Skaters glided to the beat of lively music, adding to the festive fiesta on wheels.
One of the highlights of the evening was when everyone paused mid-skate to gather at the center of the rink for a group photo, capturing the spirit of skating sensation that defined the event.
David Isaac, CEO and President of Blue Skate LLC, an integral part of the event, manned the skating booth, fitting all participants with the appropriate size and set of wheels. With over 35 years of experience in the roller-skating industry, Isaac is renowned globally for his unique teaching style and the special bond he forms with his students. A member of Kiwanis International and the Skate Instructors Association, Isaac has had the opportunity to teach hundreds of skaters, sharing his passion for the sport.
The successful turnout at Family Skate Night highlighted the enduring appeal of roller skating in Brooklyn, with participants from all walks of life coming together to celebrate the end of summer in style. As the sun set over McGuire Field and soon summer itself, it was clear that the rescheduled event was well worth the wait.
