Rink of Wakulla to Open in 2009

Wakulla County may receive a roller skating rink in the future.

The Rink of Wakulla is a family entertainment center coming to Wakulla County in 2009 according to President Bill Hinthorn. The facility will feature a roller skating rink, arcade, pool tables, mini bowling, skateboard park, batting cages and a toddler soft play area with a full service concession stand.

The facility will also have birthday party rooms and a second floor parent retreat providing soft drinks and coffee and a panoramic view of the rink behind glass for those who need to escape the noise. The Rink activities will also include a roller hockey league with opportunities to travel to other towns for competitive playoffs. A speed skating league will also be available. It will be open seven days per week offering open sessions and private party nights.

"We will organize with local and surrounding county church youth groups and local schools to allow an alternative place to fellowship with young people they would not otherwise get a chance to meet" said Bill Hinthorn. "During the week it will be open in the mornings for mothers and grandparents with young children looking for activities without a large crowd".

It is no secret Wakulla and surrounding counties are in desperate need for alternative entertainment for youth. "We are all spending our time and money driving to Tallahassee for activities which are often times over crowded," he said. "The Rink of Wakulla will offer a new state of the art facility with more activities under one roof".

An S corporation formed by its owners Bill and Lisa Hinthorn, the business will be located in Crawfordville and draw customers from Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, and Taylor counties. The exact size of the facility will have to be determined by a market and feasibility study.

The Hinthorns will lead and manage the staff. Bill has 15 years of experience in the skating industry with eight years working several different positions under the rink owner. "We currently own and operate a masonry business serving Wakulla and Leon counties" he said. "We have been in Florida for six years. Prior to that, we worked our masonry business in the Midwest.

"Crawfordville has an urgent need for entertainment for children and adults alike and we want to be the solution. We believe that the community will become more acquainted and involved given a place of interest. This is a costly project and many may not think that Crawfordville can support it. However, a fun, clean, safe, service minded establishment can attract people from several miles away." Hinthorn added.

The Hinthorns are asking the community to take part in a survey by going to www.therinkofwakulla.com

"If you are asking yourself "what more can I do to help? We have your answer. We will be selling name engraved bricks which will be laid in the exterior wall of the building for everyone to see you supported this project."