Our Story
Our Story
Kate’s Skating Rinks strives to be among the best family operated skating rinks in the United States; by providing each and every one of its’ customers a clean and wholesome environment that is affordable, safe, and fun, with a goal of continuously surpassing customer expectations.
John and Kate Grice, Kate’s founders, were over the youth in their church back in the 1960’s and while taking a stroll around Rankin Lake one day, Kate turned to John and said, “These children need a place where they can get together, be supervised and have fun.” John then replied, “You know, a skating rink is what we need.” Thus starting a great tradition in Gastonia, NC, known as Kate’s Skating Rinks.
“No one will skate at John’s Skating Rink, but they will skate at Kate’s!” John Grice said in an interview with the local NBC news one day when asked how they came up with the name.
Opened in Lowell, NC, back on January 5th, 1961, Kate’s Skating Rinks has changed with the times and tried to maintain its’ standing within the community as a place where the entire family can go and have FUN!
Kate’s founder John Grice passed away Tuesday, July 12th, 2011, at the age of 87. His lovely wife, Kate, passed on Tuesday, February 24th, 2022, at the age of 95. Their loving legacy is carried on by their grandson and his wife, who currently own and operate both locations. Their granddaughter is also involved along with her husband, in day-to-day operations and social media communications. They will greatly be missed within the community and their loving family.