Images: Orbit Skate Center in Palatine to close after 46 years
When the Orbit Skate Center opened in 1972, it became a social center and iconic gathering place in Palatine.
Times have changed and the rink will be closing on March 31.
We take a look back at some photos through the years, which has seen costume parties, birthday parties and even competitions. "I'll miss helping families make memories with birthday parties and special events like New Year's Eve and Mardi Gras," said current owner Sandra Levin.
A Family Skate night in December of 1972, the year Orbit Skate Center opened in Palatine.
Daily Herald file photo
Russ Martel, 17, in 1976, " showing off his stuff". Russ was also a floor guard at orbit roller rink. Russ is the son of co-owner Matt Martel. Matt Martel opened Orbit in 1972 with Robert Beutlich.
Courtesy of Mary Martel
A couple makes their way around the rink during a Church Family night in December of 1972, the year Orbit Skate Center opened in Palatine.
Daily Herald file photo
Mariah Martel learning to skate in 1991 with her mother, Mary Ann Martel.
Courtesy of Mary Martel
Skaters make their way around the rink at Orbit Skate Center in August of 1984.
Daily Herald file photo
Skates all lined up at the Orbit Skate Center in August of 1984.
Daily Herald file photo
The Orbit Skate Center in 1984.
Daily Herald file photo
A party at the Orbit Skate Center in 1999.
Daily Herald file photo
Patton Elementary in Arlington Heights, had their annual skate to benefit PADS at Orbit Skate Center in 1999.
Daily Herald file photo
Girl Scouts enjoy a party at Orbit Skate Center in 1999.
Daily Herald file photo
Patton Elementary in Arlington Heights, had their annual skate to benefit PADS at Orbit Skate Center in 1999.
Daily Herald file photo
Kelly B. Wayer, 6, of Arlington Heights, roller skating in costume at Orbit Skate Center in 1997.
Daily Herald file photo
A costumed roller skating party at Orbit Skate Center in 1997.
Daily Herald file photo
Orbit Skate Invitational Competition in March of 1996.
Daily Herald file photo
Orbit Skate Invitational Competition in March of 1996.
Daily Herald file photo
A break in the Orbit Skate Invitational Competition in March of 1996.
Daily Herald file photo
Robert Dunum of Chicago groves to the music while skating in the reverse direction at the Orbit Skate Center, Palatine in 2005.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
From 2005, Haley Holz, 4, of Palatine gets assistance from her dad, D.J., while learning to skate at the Orbit Skate Center, Palatine.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
In 2005, Leana Young, 8, of Arlington Heights, middle, gets a little help from friends Haley Godfrey, 11, left, of Barrington, and Elizabeth Nielsen, 8, of Arlington Heights, while skating during Elizabeth's birthday party at the Orbit Skate Center, Palatine.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
In 2005, Jo Ann Buczkowjka of Arlington Hts. makes her way past younger skaters at the Orbit Skate Center, Palatine.
Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com
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