The South Amboy skating rink known as Roller Magic has been around since 1958, but the blizzard of 2016 has put its future into question. Watch video
SOUTH AMBOY -- The South Amboy skating rink known as Roller Magic has been around since 1958, but the blizzard of 2016 has put its future into question.
Located on North Stevens Avenue and Sixth Street, the rink suffered a roof collapse Tuesday from the weight of the snow from the weekend storm.
"It's an old building," said borough Mayor Fred Henry. "I'm sure the owners want to rebuild, but it'll depend a lot of factors, including what other damage was done to the rest of the building and the cost of rebuilding."
The mayor said the rink is still owned by the family who originally built it--the Durnyes, who also own other roller rinks, including one in Jackson Township.
In a 2008 article in a local newspaper, The Suburban, Jean Durnye said it was her father, John and his brother-in-law, William Fisler, who built the rink in 1958.
Durnye told the newspaper on the rink's 50th anniversary that the rink has been the source of many happy memories for her whole family, including her sister and brother, and her community.
Neither Jean Durnye, who served as manager of the rink in 2008, nor any member of management could be reached for comment Wednesday.
Henry echoed Durnye's 2008 comments, adding that, if the rink didn't reopen, "it would be a big loss to our community."
"This is a place for the kids to go," he said. "I used to teach at St. Mary's Elementary School and we'd take the kids there for a little skating party during the day, to give them exercise."
Henry said the crowds and the rink has evolved over time to meet the needs of the generations but he believed the business was doing well.
"When I pass the parking lot, it usually had a lot of cars in it," the mayor said.
Police were called to the rink shortly after noon Tuesday when someone inside heard creaking and wood breaking.
Police said the sound was coming from the roof in an area where a large amount of snow was piled. Emergency personnel found multiple support beams broken and cracking.
The rink was evacuated. Gas and electric was turned off to the building, police said.
The roof collapsed about 3 p.m., authorities said.
Henry said the owners were there examining the damage Tuesday afternoon and had staff putting tarp over the section that collapsed.
"It would be a shame if they don't rebuild," he said.
Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.