Grand Re-Opening
C.J.’s Social isn’t the only new thing coming to Skate ‘n’ Play. As part of the skating rink’s grand reopening under new ownership, two visitors will be able to skate for the price of one from Feb. 3-5. The rink will also host a number of special events, such as a roller derby, karoke night, ‘70s and ‘80s nights, couples night and Christian night. For more information about coming events, visit facebook.com/skaten.play.
Skate ‘n’ Play in LaFayette is readying for its grand reopening and a new monthly social event. (Contributed photo)
Skate ‘n’ Play in LaFayette is readying for its grand reopening and a new monthly social event. (Contributed photo)Though born with autism, Carlton “C.J.” Tucker, 25, has always been outgoing.
He has a few friends at church, where he plays guitar and sings, and he meets plenty of kids working as a skate room attendant at LaFayette rink Skate ‘n’ Play, but since graduating high school, he hasn’t had a consistent group of people to hang out with.
“I don’t really have a lot of opportunities to meet people my age,” C.J. said. “It wouldn’t be really hard I just don’t have the opportunities.”
The criticism is a common one for locals with special needs, said his mother, Kathy.
“There’s nothing around here for people with disabilities,” she said. “There is nothing for them to do. There’s no way of socializing.”
That’s why Skate ‘n’ Play is hosting its first social gathering for teens and adults with disabilities Monday, Feb. 6. The event, called C.J.’s Social, will give C.J. and others with special needs a chance to forge long-lasting friendships with those their own age.
But it isn’t just limited to those with disabilities. Anyone 16 or older is invited to join the social, which will be filled games, music, dancing and blackouts, where attendees can skate in the dark with glow lights to guide them.
“It’s just to show people that [those with disabilities] are just like anybody else,” said Skate ‘n’ Play owner Carla Goodman, who also has a daughter with special needs.
Goodman hopes the event will also help those with disabilities learn to socialize. She will have people at the social ready to talk to anyone on the sidelines to help them feel comfortable, and she is willing to make adjustments, like turning down the music, to meet everyone’s needs, she said.
“I want to accommodate as many people as I possibly can,” said Goodman, adding that her entire facility is wheelchair-accessible.
The social will be held monthly – or bimonthly, if interest exceeds expectations – and Goodman is planning to start a similar social for kids 15 and younger in the coming months.
The first social will last from 5-8 p.m. and admission costs $5.
“I would encourage everyone to come because I would like to meet them and I would like them to be able to meet other people their age,” C.J. said. “Plus, it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”