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"Warehouse 17" officially celebrates its grand opening this weekend, but it's already been hosting skaters and gamers for a while, and word is getting out. A fun place like this, within bike riding distance for local school-age kids, is impossible to keep under wraps for long.

Located behind Tortilla's Restaurant in Lindstrom (just west of Carlson's BP) the roller rink and arcade space is literally a transformed warehouse. The number 17 was chosen just because it was different, say owners Tony and Shawna Schroepfer.

The rink holds 85 skaters comfortably. In-line skates or traditional roller skates are welcome. Shawna says she has old fashioned pom-poms on her skates, but daughter Hailey is a blader. Anybody old enough to move around on skates is welcome and if you need some instruction, come on in, there are rental skates.

A calendar of session times and themes considers all age groups and levels of ability, Shauna said. For example, Tuesday mornings 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. is meant for skaters age 40-plus.

The Warehouse 17 experience is enhanced with colorful lighting, a sound system and a beautiful new epoxy rink floor. There is a selection of ice cream, snacks and beverages at the snack bar. Arcade games include favorites like Miss Pac Man, Moon Patrol, Galaga and Asteroids and Terminator pinball.

Party reservations are being accepted (cell # 651-442-6574). Shawna said somebody mentioned they'd like to hold a wedding reception at the rink. She's open to any suggestions.

Shawna and Tony love to roller skate, and they hope the community will support the business and give them a chance to provide a safe healthful hangout for youngsters and older folks alike. Tony says this place will be operated securely and no loitering or bad behavior will be allowed. He knows many of the area youth from his job at the schools, so he's pretty sure he can follow through. "When you're in, you're in," he said of the skate rink and the game room. He has helpers watching out for unacceptable activities both indoors and in the parking area.

You can easily enjoy a three hour skate session for about what an evening movie costs. There's a "hangers" charge of $2 if you don't want to skate, but are hanging out with friends who skate and to play arcade games.

Tony and Shawna work other jobs at this time (Tony at the schools and Shawna at Hazelden and at school) but they have laid long-term plans for growing Warehouse 17. Adjacent empty space in the complex beckons for adding Call of Duty format laser tag, more partyroom space and for expanding the arcade.

All in due time, though. For now they are very busy getting a website built, putting on final decor touches and beefing up the inventory (sizes) of rental skates.

Shawna, Tony and daughter Hailey, who attends Chisago Lakes high school, will probably be seen most often on-site, but sons Tony and Drew have also been involved.

A stone/granite countertop business used to operate in the leased space, so there was lots of remodelling to do and all family members pitched in. They started last August primarily with work on the roof. By October 2010 they were hanging sheetrock and creating the interior. (See photos on Facebook.)

You can contact the rink by e mail; [email protected] or shaw [email protected] as the website is still being developed. Or, call 257-0017. Their motto is "We may not be the biggest rink but you'll get the most laps for your money."

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