ROCKINGHAM — The long-awaited reopening of the local skating rink under new ownership is being celebrated all week long.
After closing on the property in March, Mary Kate Lambeth officially opened the doors to The Rock ‘n’ Roll on Aug. 4, following several months of renovations.
The rink first opened in 1948 and was eventually owned by Harold Hines — who started working there as a pin setter — for six decades before it closed in 2020.
Lambeth wanted to do something special to the rink — something that would grab attention —and her goal was accomplished in giving it a colorful face-lift as well as adding new games — including ski ball, an air hockey table and several old school arcade games — that are tap-to-pay-and-play.
Gliding around the rink on opening day were children and adults alike, with entertainment by Kids Karaoke, Dance & D.J.
“I was very appreciative to the community for showing such overwhelming support,” Lambeth said. “I had happy tears all throughout the night.”
Day two saw family members, local dignitaries and other community members getting their first in-person glimpse during a ribbon-cutting ceremony from the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce.
“Since she started working on this skating rink, everywhere I’ve gone in town, it’s come up … and everybody has a story,” said Kristi Richardson King, president of the Chamber. “We’re always excited to open new businesses…but we’re very excited that this is revisiting history today and bringing this back to life.”
Rockingham Mayor John Hutchinson echoed King’s sentiment.
“It’s great to see this place come back to life because it has been a part of so many lives in Richmond County, all the way back to the 1950s,” Hutchinson said. “So it’s going to be something that people will remember for another generation for a long time to come.
“I’ve always known you for your intelligence, your creativity, your ability to come up with fantastic ideas,” the mayor said to Lambeth. “This is just another one of them,” Hutchinson said to Lambeth.
Hutchinson said it has been “a joy” to watch the progress of the renovations on social media.
“Just a wonderful job redoing this building,” Hutchinson said. “It’s going to be something that I know Richmond County will enjoy.”
Richmond County Commissioner Robin Roberts got a sneak peak of the rink just a few days before while shooting a video to promote a band that was playing in Hamlet that night.
“The stuff that you’re going to do for the kids, the adults, the families…we look forward to having you here and making memories for everyone and it’ll be a big asset to the county.”
Chairman Dr. Rick Watkins said the memories provided by the rink are “quality of life type of things that we need to see happen and we need more of this in Richmond County and I hope … that’s something we can address in the future.”
Watkins recalled meeting Lambeth when she was 10 years old and thinking: “She’s really got it going on.”
“And she’s had it going on… since the first time I laid eyes on her,” Watkins said. “Such a wonderful person …so much energy and enthusiasm. Couldn’t have a better person here.
“I know that everybody that comes in and experiences this place will just keep on coming back because it's infectious and you’ll have that kind of experience here with Mary Kate.”
Lambeth broke down in tears, thanking her family for standing by her, noting that she felt they had been neglected while she worked on the project: “But I know it’s going to slow down and get on a normal schedule.”
“This is a dream come true for me and I know it’s been hard on everybody that lives in my house, especially my husband,” Lambeth said. “I knew when I walked in here the first time that this was going to be …a second home for me.”
Lambeth went on to thank those she worked with at Fidelity Bank, Coldwell Banker, the contracting company and the others who helped make her dream of bringing something to the community a reality.
She also said her intention was to honor the Hines family legacy "because … that’s where all the memories are from…I loved my time skating here as a child, too.”
Once the rink gets rolling, Lambeth said there are plans to renovate the rest of the building.
Each night of the grand opening week there are special events planned, including a throwback adult skate night on Thursday.
Visitors to the rink are also encouraged to vote for their favorite skate.
Richmond County residents purchased skates to decorate, with 74 on display. The winning design will be displayed in a cabinet. The winner will be announced Aug. 15.
To keep up with the activities, follow The Rock ‘n’ Roll on Facebook.
NOTE: This story has been updated to clarify previous ownership. 12:53 p.m. 8-6-25.
