Orangeburg's historic roller skating rink is under new ownership. Skate 698, at the 75-year-old former Jammer's, had its grand opening and ribbon cutting last month. Tamikah Battle McDuffe purchased and renovated the 22,000-square-foot facility at 698 Murray Road in Orangeburg.
"I am an educator and work inside a prison system," McDuffe said. As someone who's seen young people incarcerated, "I wanted to be a part of the solution in this community and in others." "I wanted to provide a safe space for children to come and families to come and just have good, old-fashioned fun," McDuffe said.
She said the venue will also provide a place for people to exercise. "I want to get people out to engage in physical activities," McDuffe said. In addition to the skating rink, the facility will also have a jungle gym, a toddler space and bouncy houses.
The venue will also provide educational opportunities for young people. As a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educator, McDuffie said the venue will include a 3,000-square foot STEM center, where kids can explore STEM subjects in after-school activities. She will also work with local schools to host field trips where students can engage in STEM curriculum activities that are set to base standards as well as have some fun skating and playing games.
"I have a passion in science and technology education," McDuffie said. "The Roller Skating Association provides a curriculum that integrates STEM and skate." McDuffie says the Skate.
