A beloved summer roller disco event in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park has been canceled, much to the dismay of locals.
The Dreamland Roller Disco, known for its DJs, dancers, and drag performances, was discontinued earlier this month after the organizer, Rollaster, turned down a 50% pay cut proposed by a new operator at the Lefrak Center.
This center, which hosted the Roller Disco for 11 years during the summer, recently reopened after a substantial $74 million renovation.
“It was like a three-ring circus. The energy and atmosphere were just unmatched,” said Billy Tyler Smith, 60, a longtime attendee, reflecting on his experiences of the event.
“They were like family to me,” he added, emphasizing how much the event meant to him.
Scott Lindeman, another regular since 2015, expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s hard to believe they would just let something so special slip away.” He noted that it was one of the most significant social gatherings every Friday night.
A petition aiming to save the event has garnered over 1,200 signatures so far.
Concerns have been raised regarding the new operator’s earlier comments about safety issues, including understaffing and dangerous conditions. One attendee pointed out that despite safety risks, like slippery surfaces during rain, the events continued because of financial motivations.
In response to the situation, the Prospect Park Alliance, which collaborates with the city to maintain the park, stated that it is “working with various producers for future roller disco events.”
The alliance mentioned efforts to engage with Rollaster but said those attempts were met with refusals. Rollaster claimed that their suggestions were overlooked after a meeting in July. The new operator, Exstein Development Group, stated they needed to assess their financial situation before making decisions about the event’s return.
Rollaster indicated that they are exploring new venues and visiting potential sites for future events.
“This feels like a classic case of being penny-wise but pound-foolish,” commented Smith about the new operator’s decisions. He added, “New York City needs Laura. She’s been a huge part in reviving the popularity of roller skating.”
