Staff Reports
For Alicia Cleland, Rink Ratz isn’t just a business, it’s a passion project born from a deep love of roller skating and a desire to give local kids a safe, fun space to call their own.
“In small towns like Troup, there’s just not a lot for kids to do,” Alicia says. “Growing up, skating was where we made memories with friends and family. I wanted to bring that back.”
Inspired by a short-lived rink in Whitehouse and the lasting impact of Tyler’s iconic Skate Plex, Alicia saw a gap in the community and decided to fill it — not just with nostalgia, but with new energy.
Since opening, Rink Ratz has been met with enthusiasm from both kids and parents. The rink hosts birthday parties, Sunday family days, themed skate nights, and is now adding Friday movie nights and skating lessons to the mix.
The venue itself surprises many first-time visitors. Housed inside a five-bay storage unit totaling 5,000 square feet, Rink Ratz offers a surprisingly spacious, open layout with smooth concrete floors, ideal for beginners and seasoned skaters alike. “People are always shocked by how big it is,” Alicia notes.
While they haven’t identified a most popular night just yet, Alicia is optimistic. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “As long as we can keep skating alive, we’ll keep growing.”
Next on the horizon are plans to add air conditioning, half walls, and more seating. Long term, Alicia dreams of building a full-size facility with wood floors, carpeting, and a large concession stand — a true roller rink experience.
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