LEAVENWORTH, Kan. -- It’s the end of an era in Leavenworth as the community says goodbye to a place that’s been bringing them joy for generations.
Kay and Ron Beaman bought Wheel Things in 1986. Since then, the skating rink has been the place to be on the weekends in Leavenworth, Kansas.
For as little as $5.50, a kid can have hours of fun skating turns around the rink.
“This is one of the original fun things to do,” said Robby Hendrickson, a staff member at the rink.
Hendrickson has worked at the rink for 3-and-half years and like many of the staff members, his dad worked here too.
It’s also where his parents met.
“I’ve grown up here so it’s like a second home to me,” said Hendrickson.
Those memories are kept in a photo album behind the skate counter, but after this weekend, no more memories will be added.
“Yea we sold the building,” said Kay Beaman.
As word has gotten out, skaters young and old are coming in for a final turn around the rink.
“I’ve been coming here actually since I was 10 or 11 years old,” said Tammy Metzgar, who brought her grandchildren to skate today.
The response from the community, more than the Beaman’s could’ve asked for.
“We certainly didn't expect interviews and newspaper and city commission. It makes us feel real special,” said Kay.
The couple has mixed emotions about selling the rink, but they say it’s just time.
“We’re just ready to retire,” said Kay.
And the 30 years they’ve put into the rink, time well spent.
"We've really enjoyed it though. It's been fun,” said Kay.
The last chance for people to come skate is on Sunday. The final sale of the property goes through on Monday. The building will be re-purposed as office space for an organization that assists people who have autism.
