Did You Skate at this Legendary Capital Region Roller Rink?

Talk about a flashback! Starburst Roller Skating Rink in Clifton Park opened circa 1980. It was located about three miles west of Northway Exit 9. Back in the 80's, it was ground zero for after school parties, birthday celebrations and group outings.

I specifically remember skating to Starship's 'We Built This City' when I was a kid. I also won a copy of Simple Minds 'Alive and Kicking' on 45 - which still may be hidden away in some crawl space at my childhood home.

You would enter through the front doors, all the lights would be on, so no vibe would set in until it was officially time to hit the rink. You'd get your locker token, then get your skates. Lock up your personal belongings in the tiny lockers and you'd be ready to rock the rink. The lights would go out, the music would play, and for the next two or three hours, where your only care in the world was trying not to break an ankle.

Over the years Starburst added more attractions to the rink, including a money grab machine, expanded arcade and their famous Play Station. No, not the video game console, basically a giant indoor jungle gym.

Starburst continued to be a destination through the 90's and into the early 2000's. They closed up shop permanently in 2005. The building was knocked down and a Gold's Gym was built in its space. Today the gym still operates as a Vent Fitness.

Once an iconic music venue, the space now sits empty.

This store closed for good in 2020

Just over the Rexford Bridge by the Mohawk River, once stood 'Luna Park', an amusement park that operated from 1905 to the 1930's.