Roller skating rink planned for New Boston Road heads to Texarkana, Texas council

The Texarkana, Texas City Council received its first briefing Monday night on an ordinance that would grant a specific use permit allowing a skating rink at 2729 New Boston Road, Suite 90, in Ward 2.

A public hearing and council vote are set for Aug. 10.

The request comes from property owner John O’Shaughnessy and agent Quinn Jefferson. The rink would be an additional use inside a multi-tenant facility on an approximately 25.3-acre tract.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously, 5-0, to recommend the permit. City staff also recommend approval with stipulations.

Under the draft ordinance, the rink would face six conditions:

• All city codes must be met for signage permits, setbacks, height and square footage.
• Signs cannot be placed in a public right of way or utility easement.
• No Trespassing and No Loitering signs must be posted on the exterior of the business.
• An adult must sign in person for responsibility of every minor under 18.
• Hours of operation would end at 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Opening times were left blank in the draft ordinance.
• A licensed security officer must be present any time the business is open or occupied after 7 p.m.

The property is designated Neighborhood Retail on the city’s Future Land Use Map, and the surrounding zoning is General Retail in all directions.

Skate America has been promoting a new Texarkana roller rink on social media. The company announced open interviews for Wednesday, July 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2910 S. Cowhorn Loop, with openings for ticket booth, skate rental, concession, DJ and security positions, including off-duty officers.

In a post this week, Skate America addressed comments that the rink may be smaller than some expected, saying its goal “has never been to be the biggest rink” and asking the community to reserve judgment until opening.

If the council approves the permit, the applicant must still meet all other city requirements, including building codes, fire, parking, drainage, water and sewer, before building permits are issued.