July 17, 2020 3:30 a.m.

The Roseburg Skate Team has been awarded a Ford Family Foundation grant to help Parkview Skating Center with the unexpected challenges of COVID-19.

Diana Colby from Parkview said the grant of $6,799 will help cover their expenses that go to the YMCA and for other overhead costs they cannot reduce.

Parkview opened in 1997. It has been self-sustaining for 23 years. Colby said it is one of two roller skating rinks left in the state of Oregon.

Colby said other donations have been coming in from the community as well. She said current and former employees have come in to volunteer so as to keep overhead down due to COVID-19 restrictions. Colby said “we are truly grateful for the community’s willingness to help and take ownership”.

The Roseburg Skate Team formed as a non-profit corporation in 1990 and worked with the City of Roseburg, the late Kenneth Ford, the late Jerry Bruce, and others for years, to get the skating center built, after a previous skating facility was closed.

Colby said those who want to help Parkview can make a tax-deductible donation to Roseburg Skate Team at 200 Northeast Stewart Parkway in Roseburg, 97470.