ITHACA, N.Y.(WENY)-- Roller Skating is becoming popular again in Ithaca and throughout the country. Sales have skyrocketed through the pandemic because gyms and group sports continue to remain restricted and closed. 

Ithaca Native Crista Nicole has been skating her whole life and she encourages community members to get involved in the recreational sport.  

“Roller skating is like flying, it feels so freeing, I would challenge anyone to get on roller skates and roller skate and not smile,” said Nicole. 

Nicole said that she has seen many people around Ithaca skating through the streets as the only summer skate rink at Cass park has had its doors closed throughout the pandemic. 

Paul Closs, Ithaca Resident, used to skate as a child but over the course of his life he lost touch with skating, until last year when he found out about Ithaca’s skate group, FIRE collective. 

“I saw the Facebook group FIRE collective, and I thought, wow, there is actually a local group of roller skaters that's pretty cool, so I bought skates and went and found these guys out at their first get together at the skate park,” said Closs. 
The collective is always looking for members and if you are interested in finding some friends to skate with you can reach out to the group on Facebook.