Dallas skating rink says good-bye after 43 years

Dallas - A Dallas institution – known for its shimmery disco ball and family-friendly fun – is closing after 43 years.

White Rock Skate closes for good Sunday after serving generations of families in the White Rock area of Dallas.

“I've been coming here since I was 5 years old, really? And I'm 39. That's awesome,” said Charlota Cartwright.

Although the landscape around the rink has changed over the years, the inside has stayed largely the same.

“It still looks the same, the skates still look the same, there's still the hokey pokey,” said patron Robyn Siegel.

The owners say they are hanging up their skates, ready to retire.

“Certainly there's a big piece of us going away here. This was home base for a lot of us,” said former employee Eddie Stokes.

While the rink has served as a second home for employees and customers, perhaps no one has grown up at White Rock Skate more than Leslie Connor, the owner’s daughter.

“My grandpa built it and it's been in the family ever since,” said Connor.

Connor’s father took over the place in 1980. Her baby pictures adorn walls in the ticket office and she got her start handing out flyers at the front door.

“I was like 3 or 4, and I just stood at the door and handed them out, and I got a dollar. And my dad still has that dollar hanging in his office,” said Connor.

The rink officially closes with a private party to thank all of the employees from over the years.

“I didn't realize this many people still truly enjoyed skating, but it's great. It's great to see the love and support our community is showing for us,” said Connor.