LAKEPORT—It’s been anything but ‘paradise’ for Jeff Warrenburg, owner of Paradise Skate Roller Rink & Arcade in Lakeport since stay-at-home orders took effect in March this year, due to COVID-19.
“I am not going to lie, it’s been really hard financially and emotionally,” said Warrenburg, who opened his 10,080 square foot rink and arcade in October 2017. “It’s hard for small businesses to make it through these times. Not only am I worried about the business, but I’m also worried about the 27 employees that are out of work between the two roller rinks.”
Born in Berkeley, raised in Garberville, Warrenburg owns another rink in Antioch, and while the Antioch rink is still closed due to county restrictions, he’s happy his Lakeport rink was one of the first rinks in Northern California to reopen – yet with clear restrictions.
He’s diligently following Lake County Public Health Officer, Dr. Gary Pace’s health and safety guidelines.
“We are working with Dr. Pace to assure we are doing everything we can to keep our customers safe,” said Warrenburg, a Lakeport resident since 2018.
Pace warned this week that residents and businesses needed to continue to be practice social distancing and other safety measures as coronavirus cases were on the rise throughout the state of California. As of press time, the County showed 96 confirmed cases, with 18 cases active, one death and four hospitalized.
“Several other cases have been identified from various sources,” noted Pace adding that many of them have been traced to known cases; either household members or cases from out of the county.
“A handful of the recent cases, though, have no identifiable source. Community transmission is presumed,” noted Pace.
Given the situation, Warrenburg continues to follow safety standards such as all customers and employees wear masks at all times, providing hand sanitizers to be used at the entrance with several stations throughout for continual usage, allowing six feet between customers and signing a one-time annual waiver.
“We wipe down all the games and railings about every 15 to 20 minutes, and we use a fogging sanitizing machine each night when we close and before opening,” said Warrenburg. “We’ve also installed plexiglass at the skate counter and customer service window. Customer safety is our priority while they can have some fun.”
Enjoying time with the family – especially now – is important to Warrenburg, a father of three grown sons.
“Now is a good time to bring the family down and have some good ole’ fashion family fun,” he said. “After four months of being cooped up, we are ready for you and we have prepared a safe and fun place for you and your family.”
Polyurethane wheels were created in the 1970s, along with the disco music, making roller rinks all the rage, but Warrenburg sees an added benefit of roller-skating.
“Roller-skating is a lot of fun and at the same time it is really good exercise,” he said.
More than just a rink, Warrenburg’s arcade area features two air hockey tables, many other games, two kiddie rides and more.
“We have a new pinball machine for that generation who loves pinball, and we even have a Pac-Man and an asteroids game,” he said. “We also offer indoor soccer in the winter time.”
Warrenburg offers advice to other local businesses during these difficult times.
“Stay positive and stay connected with your customers and your community,” he said. “There is a lot of support out there. Remember, we all are going through the same thing.”
“The last couple of years with the fires and the PG&E power outages, and now COVID-19, it has not been easy,” he added. “But I would like to thank all of my customers and friends for their support. I truly love this community.”
With current maximum restrictions of 80 customers total, with 40 skaters on the rink at one time, Warrenburg said it’s all about safe family fun – even during shelter-in-place.
“I have been in the family entertainment business since 1999,” he said. “I love being able to provide a safe place where families can go and have a fun time and make memories for their kids.”
For more information, visit www.paradiseskate.com.
