Skate Barn reopens under new ownership just one month after surprise closing

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — A business that’s been a long-time fixture in the Hampstead area reopened Friday after suddenly closing last month.

In mid-February, the Skate Barn announced its closure after being open for nearly 30 years.

Hampstead resident Taylor Maready purchased the Barn just days after the death of the Skate Barn’s founder.

Famous skaters like Tony Hawk and Chet Childress have spent time at the Barn.

Maready said he couldn’t say goodbye to a place that meant so much to him growing up.

“I grew up here,” Maready said. “This was my home for many, many years. I was an old Skate Barn rat and I came here as a kid. I remember scrounging up my change just so I could have 5 bucks to come and skate. And so this is my home, this is where I was from and this is part of me.”

Maready said he has plans to do some improvements to the Barn and is listening to feedback from the community on what they want.

The Barn is open daily from 2 to 6 in the evening.