Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Lola Staar's Freewheelin' Brooklyn
By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 21, 2008
Modified Mar 23, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 21, 2008
Modified Mar 23, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Photo by Bailey Photography
The 34-year-old shop owner/activist (and part-time rollerskater), Dianna Carlin, has taken the first roll around the Lola Staar Dreamland Roller Rink -- set to open in Coney Island tomorrow (ending a near year-long dry spell of rollerskating in the area). Mr. Coney tells us, "Roller skating has always been popular in Coney Island, dating back to the Sea Beach Palace Roller Rink of the 1890s. The Palace, located on Surf Avenue at West 8th Street, was transformed from a railroad terminal into a rink that hosted roller dancing and roller racing events. There were also rinks at Dreamland, Luna Park, and Steeplechase."
The portable 40' x 80' rink is housed inside Childs Restaurant building, and the opening is expected to bring in the usual quirky Coney Island locals, stilt walkers and of course some professional dance-skaters. Also expected: singer Ashanti.
How did a shop owner who was facing eviction from her souvenir shop last year, and spends her spare time fighting against condos taking over her home turf, become a roller rink operator? Through a contest sponsored by Glamour and Tommy Hilfiger, of course. The NY Post reports that the two "paid for the temporary skating area, provided Carlin with 200 skates and made arrangements with property owner Taconic Investment Partners to give Carlin access to the site."
Carlin would like to extend the rink's stay until the building finds a new restaurant operator, and in the long term she hopes to move it in to the former Washington Bath House. The Observer has more on what's sure to be the Lola Staar takeover of Coney Island!
Tagged
Childs Restaurant Building
coney island
Dianna Carlin
Lola Staar
Lola Staar Dreamland Roller Rink
roller rink
rollerskating
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Yes, Stevie Wonder is playing MSG. No, you can't afford tickets. See these shows instead.
LCD Soundsystem also uses synthesizers. Ok, maybe not the same thing. But it's still a great month for music in NYC.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Nov 3, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
'The Muppets Take Manhattan' in Queens and more November films in NYC
'Remember, remember the 5th of November' - and also all those other days - in theaters this month.
By
Emma Stefansky
Arts & Entertainment
'The Muppets Take Manhattan' in Queens and more November films in NYC
'Remember, remember the 5th of November' - and also all those other days - in theaters this month.
By
Emma Stefansky
Why LCD Soundsystem's 'New York, I Love You' is still the city's most honest anthem
By
Sonia Rao
Would you live on a Halloween block? These Hackensackers live for it.
By
James Ramsay
Owl pellets and period equity: What's happening at NYC's public libraries this November
By
Alec Hamilton
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .