Playland roller skating on Buford Highway
The Feb. 20, 1958 issue of North DeKalb Record newspaper advertised the grand opening of Playland, which later became known as Playland Skating Center. The early roller-skating rink featured Hi-Fi music, theatrical lighting and skating lessons.
North DeKalb Record Feb. 20, 1958 ad for the grand opening of Playland.
Just one month earlier, a mention of Playland in the Atlanta Journal reveals the architects of the skating rink were James and Harris and the mechanical engineers were Logan and West. The plumbing company, which seems important for an ice skating rink, was Cherokee Plumbing Company.
Jim Hearn’s Golf Center was next door, established 1959. Directories in the DeKalb History Center archives show in 1966, Playland Roller Skating Center at 4405 Buford Highway, and Jim Hearns Golf Center at 4445 Buford Highway.
People who grew up in Chamblee, Doraville, Brookhaven, Dunwoody and the surrounding area may remember skating at Playland one time, a few times, or even on a regular basis. The skating rink was also on the list of after-school care for households where both parents worked.
Philip Weltner II remembers going to birthday parties at Playland when his family lived in North Buckhead in the 1960s. He recalls later turning his roller skates into a skateboard with the addition of a wood plank.
Playland was frequently a place for celebrations, such as birthdays, with its skating, snack bar and music. Special events were held on holidays. A costume contest for Halloween was one of those events. In 1959, square dance skating was one of Playland’s special events. The Atlanta Journal advertises a Square-Dancing Festival.
The June 4,1977 edition of the Atlanta Journal lists several roller-skating rinks in addition to Playland to choose from in the Atlanta area. The list includes Skateport in Decatur, Plantation Skating Center in Clarkston, Rainbow Roller Rink in Lithonia and Rollerama on Memorial Drive in Atlanta.
By 1979, roller skating popularity was growing, thanks to the disco music craze. The most popular outdoor skating area in Atlanta was Piedmont Park. One of the most popular indoor rinks was Playland. (Atlanta Journal, Dec. 6, 1979, “Wheels keep turning for Atlantans”)
Don Houot, owner of Playland, had recently invested $300,000 into the business, building a 50 by 100-foot area for beginner skaters and a 70 by 170-foot rink for faster and more skilled skaters.
He also installed a new sound system and strobe lights. Houot estimated 300 to 400 young adults showed up most Thursday nights to enjoy disco music, electronic games, a large TV, snack bar and lounging area. For children, there were games like Hokey Pokey.
I was not a skilled skater, either roller or ice, but I do remember skating at Playland. When Peggy Fleming won a gold medal for Olympic figure skating in 1968, I asked my mom to sew a skating dress for me. Peggy Fleming’s mother designed and sewed all her costumes.
I am not certain what year Playland Skating Center closed, but advertisements still appear in the Atlanta newspapers in the mid-1980s, as late as 1985.
This depiction of a couple skating was part of Playland’s ad in 1980 Atlanta newspapers. (Atlanta Constitution, June 12, 1980)
If you have memories to share of roller-skating at Playland, please write me at pasttensega@gmail.com.