Happy Wheels Roller Rink Could Be Reopening in Westbrook In 2020
Back in December Portland lost a family fun staple when Happy Wheels skating rink closed its doors. Happy Wheels had been a northern New England institution having been open for 47 years. According to WGME, in their heyday, there were 7 locations through Maine and New Hampshire with the Portland location being the last location standing. Since the closing, the nearest roller rink for southern Mainers is the Rollodrome in Auburn.
Portland Press Herald noted that the former Portland location's building had been sold to developers who no longer wanted the rink.
Well, it looks like we haven't seen the last of ol' Happy Wheels. After the sale, the owners hadn't claimed complete defeat as they noted they still own the business but lacked a place to run it. It looks like that dilemma may be solved very soon.
Former manager, Derek Fitzgerald has officially proposed a new Happy Wheels location at 84 Warren Ave in Westbrook, less than a mile and a half from the former Portland location. The new rink will be similar in size to the old one with promises of improvements where possible, and 94 parking spots.
Fitzgerald told the Press Herald that he hopes to open the doors to the new rink this fall. Perfect timing for some new school-year fun!