LAPLACE — After Hurricane Katrina shut down Riverlands Skate Center in 2005, LaPlace residents have often stopped by the building to reminisce about childhood memories.

That will change the second week of October.

Nolan Noel, assistant chief of police in St. Landry Parish, has worked in the skating rink industry since he was 17. He decided to close his skating rink in Opelousas to open LaPlace Skate Center at 1005 Cambridge Drive.

Noel’s cousin, Lillian Matt, said this decision was prompted by St. John the Baptist Parish’s need for more family-oriented businesses.

“He saw that there’s almost 30,000 people living in LaPlace and very little for families to do with their kids,” she said.

Noel grew up in LaPlace and saw the importance of the skating rink to the community. He enlisted the help of his sons, Jeff Wheaton and Nolan Noel Jr., to open a new and improved rink in the old, familiar location.

According to Noel, LaPlace Skate Center will be open on weekends. Entry to the new skating rink will be $7 per person, and parents who come to watch will get in free.

Kids’ birthday parties and other private events will cost $200 for two hours. Party guests will have the building to themselves and access to an arcade and bounce house. Noel only asks that guests provide their own food and cake.

Matt said the skating rink will have themed music nights; Friday is family night featuring rock ‘n’ roll, country and top 40 pop music, while Saturday will feature soul and R&B. Sunday will be reserved for private parties.

There are plans to host adult, church and discount nights during the week in the future, but Noel’s current focus is opening and ensuring security for all guests.

“You can’t run a successful business if parents don’t trust you with their kids,” Noel said. “Safety is my main concern. I’m hiring officers for security, and at least one officer per 100 people will always be here when the kids are here.”

Additionally, he said young children who get dropped off won’t be allowed to leave the building without a parent or guardian. For parents who choose to stay but not skate, a side viewing area with movie theater seats will be available.

“I think the community will like having it back,” Noel said. “Since I put the sign out front with my number, I’ve been getting up to 10 calls a day asking about it.”

For more information, call Noel at 337-290-9821.

— By Brooke Robichaux