Decided to opt for some good, clean, family fun last night. No, I did not do the laundry. Significant Other and I took nieces and friends to Peoria Palace to roller skate. What a place!
I was terrified I would maim myself, as I had not skated in eons. It was a relief to discover that much like riding a bike, once one learns, one doesn't lose the skill. Admittedly, I did not attempt the twirls and crossovers of my beloved youth, but I was able to keep my balance without clinging to the wall for dear life, I maneuvered decently and didn't fall once. The kids weren't afraid to fall. In fact, the little beasts fell on purpose. Oh to be a child, close to the ground, apparently made from rubber, not likely to break a hip.
Peoria Palace has inline skates, roller blades and the old school kind. I opted for the inline. I don't think inline skates are the same as rollerblades -which is what I meant to get- I was handed the type boys play hockey with. I had to trade them in three times to get the right size - (probably because inlines only come in male sizes?) Anyhoo, I was able to make it work, and I was thrilled with the ankle support. I know, I am such an old lady.
Peoria Palace is apparently run by a religious family. The Ten Commandments are posted on the wall as you enter. Also, there is a sign warning parents not to abandon their children, and if they fail to pick their offspring up within thirty minutes of a skate session ending, the police will be called. Rules are posted stating that no rude or dangerous behavior will be tolerated. Good for them. Peoria Palace was spotlessly clean. You could eat off the floors. The facilities seem new. The staff is friendly. A family of four can skate for about $20.00.
The music was modern, which is what I expected. They played Pop, Top Forty, Hip Hop, and some R & B. A little young for me, but the kids loved it. My only complaint was the volume. Loud. Very loud. You had to shout at the top of your lungs for the person standing next to you to hear. Even though the kids probably like this aspect, I don't think it is good for young ears. Now that I think about it, even the kids were annoyed with the volume. We did not attend the "Family Skate" but the "Open Skate" session instead. I hope during the "Family Skate" the owners are more sensitive to little ears - as well as what's left of my old geezer hearing. Seriously, my ears are still ringing/bleeding.
