Published January 1, 2026 | Updated June 6, 2026

Skateland reminds many of us of our childhood. While seemingly long gone, it seems there’s one holdover: Skate City in Bellevue. It surprisingly retains that old-school look and feels highly reminiscent of the family business Frank Cernik started more than 50 years ago.

The Skateland founder originally set a goal of opening 200 locations across the country when he launched Skate City International. Over the following decades, he opened locations in Minnesota, Arizona, and North Dakota, alongside those in Omaha, Irvington, Millard, and Bellevue.

Beginning in 1970, the Cernik family operated the Bellevue location until the early 2000s. Unable to sell the property, Frank reopened the rink for a time with partners after repainting the facility, resurfacing the rink, and adding a children’s play center.

Not long afterward, David Frank and his wife, Michelle, took ownership of Skateland and renamed it Skate City. David had his first roller-skating experience at just six years old and loved it so much that he landed his first job at a rink handing out skates. He eventually worked his way up to management before becoming an owner in 2005.

Despite the proliferation of entertainment options as well as competing sports, Skate City remains a popular destination for kids in the area. Its current owners have continued to emphasize the family-friendly nature of the business, providing certificates that allow kids to skate for free during winter breaks. They also remain active on social media in addition to hosting fundraisers.

Skate City has evolved since it first opened and now offers more than just roller skating. It’s also used for roller hockey and summer and non-school day camps as well as a place for kids to hang out after school before parents finish their workday. It’s also popular for birthday parties, skate lessons, and open skating. David said in 2019 that they continue to operate the business as if their own kids were being dropped off: “We control our facility really well, so it’s very safe, and we want everyone to have fun.”

In the 20 years since reopening as Skate City, the former Skateland has built its own legacy while preserving a family-friendly atmosphere that defined Skateland for decades. As a sequel, it earns its place.

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• Omaha World-Herald
• Skate City Bellevue – Omaha’s Destination for Fun!
• Gone But Not Forgotten: Frank Cernik’s Skateland – Omaha Exploration