SKATEPORT
SKATEPORT KICKS OFF IT’S 2026 SEASON!
Photos courtesy of The Recinos Company
What began as roller-skating meet-ups in 2021 became what we now know as SkatePort - an event and lesson service based in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Located at 1160 Main St., the group hosts roller skating events from June through November for all ages. Their desire to spread the “joy of rollerskating“ across the state of Connecticut has offered the community they serve more than just the opportunity to build a new skill.
After honing her skills in parks across Bridgeport, Connecticut, Skateport’s founder Takina Pollock Schaeffer realized the city offered no official space for roller-skating. With the closest roller rink being located in Waterbury, Connecticut, some 30 miles away, she was determined to make a change.
Photos courtesy of The Recinos Company
Skating lessons and rentals aren’t all they have to offer- in their five years, they’ve partnered with a variety of local nonprofits and government agencies to encourage community engagement. A prime example is the Pollinator Pathway, a sustainable public garden designed to attract a variety of pollinators and improve the environment. In addition, Skateport has collaborated with the Trust for Public Land and the Waterfront Advisory Board to offer free roller skating lessons throughout the summer at Knowlton Park. The group’s commitment to creating a wide variety of opportunities for community members to collaborate and contribute to the city’s improvement is abundantly clear.
Saturday, July 11th, kicked off their 5th season of SkatePort Saturdays - offering events every other Saturday through November 14th. Each weekend highlights a different DJ and theme - complete with food trucks and vendors - and an hour of lessons is included when you book.
Having grown up in Bridgeport, it’s wonderful to see the city focused on creating new ways to improve the environment- there always seems to be a new initiative by residents to make the most of these small communities. With their ever-growing community and efforts, SkatePort is here to stay!
