From roller derby to roller disco, the skating scene offers a space for all walks of life; people who are young, old, queer, blue collar, white collar, stay at home moms and anyone who is looking to experience a sense of leisure and kinship.

Following the closing of Star Castle, a hole was left in the Savannah skate community that the nonprofit 912 Skaters Coalition is actively striving to fill.

What is the 912 Skaters Coalition?

The 912 Skaters Coalition is a grassroots nonprofit seeking to create an inclusive space for skaters in Savannah and keep the passion alive despite the closing of the city’s former skating rink, Star Castle. The organization advocates for leisure skaters, roller derby players, hockey teams, JB skaters and beginners. 

“Our mission is simple: to foster unity and growth among skaters while celebrating skate culture in all its forms. We host community skate nights, partner with local organizations for outreach and youth programs, and advocate for a permanent facility where people of all ages and backgrounds can skate, connect and grow together,” says 912 Skater Coalition’s president, Hannah Walker.

Walker says that the coalition seeks to achieve long-term solutions for establishing a space for skaters. This goal could be accomplished by renovating the rink at Lake Meyer or securing an indoor rink. 912 Skater Coalition currently hosts skate nights, such as their weekly event on Thursday nights at Lake Meyer.. They also partner with groups such as Chatham County’s Gang Prevention & Intervention Commission, which supports positive and inclusive recreation in Savannah.

The Closing of Star Castle

Star Castle officially closed its doors on July 31, 2025, after 25 years of being Savannah’s only indoor skating rink. Many Savannah locals lost a beloved third space when the skating rink closed, a place where community members would learn to skate, cultivate friendships, celebrate and unwind. Star Castle was also the home for many local sports leagues, such as the Savannah Derby Devils and Savannah Junior Roller Derby, two organizations which are actively seeking a new facility. 

Wallace Jones is an experienced skater of over 20 years and a former floor guard at Star Castle. Jones often attends skate nights at Lake Meyer with the 912 Skaters Coalition and describes his experience with skating in two words, an adventure.

“I felt different emotions, different feelings, different ideas,” says Jones, recounting the impact that Star Castle’s closing had on the community, “it looks like it affected everyone”.

Skate Culture in Savannah

“Skating is one of the last few places where you can do something like parallel play,” says Joshua Lindsay, a frequent skater with the 912 Skaters Coalition. “It’s an easy barrier to entry, you don’t necessarily have to talk to someone to have success here.”

Cindy Arroyave (a.k.a Pixie) is a roller derby teacher and self-proclaimed “rink rat,” who has been playing roller derby since she moved to Georgia in 2014.

“The culture is amazing,” says Arroyave. “Everyone comes from different walks of life. There are college professors, teachers, there are bartenders, students, and archeologists. There’s so many different types of people that I probably wouldn’t have gotten together with if it wasn’t for skating.”

Despite the closing of Star Castle, skate culture lives on in Savannah. Students, especially those who are looking to be a part of the local skate community, are encouraged to attend skate nights or volunteer with 912 Skaters Coalition’s events and fundraisers. The coalition is also seeking more visibility on social media and is continuously looking for those who are eager to lend their skills in areas like design, marketing and event planning.

“Even just sharing our posts or showing up to skate makes a difference,” says Walker, “Every bit of energy and support is appreciated and helps us keep the wheels turning.”

To keep up with the 912 Skaters Coalition and events, follow them @912skaterscoalition on Instagram or visit their website 912skaterscoalition.org.