That’s code for: Northumberland Rollerskating Collective!
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked several social and recreational trends, including people’s enthusiasm for roller skating. As communities worldwide isolated safely at home and practiced physically distancing, people sought creative opportunities to get outside and play.
For Northumberland County residents Nikki Tomasi, Amelia Bray, and Nicole Beatty, roller skating was a social yet safe way to meet up and move their bodies last summer. So over the winter, the three friends started up the Northumberland Rollerskating Collective – also known as NoCo RoCo – to share their love for quad skating with the local community.
“We hope to spread that love around by creating opportunities for the community to come together to try something new, be active, and have a good time in a fun and inclusive space,” says Amelia Bray, co-founder.
The inspiration for a collective model is for this to be a community-driven project. “We believe that the best way to improve skills is by practicing together,” adds Nikki Tomasi, co-founder.
Far right, Nicole Beatty with other founders of the group
“We’ll be meeting weekly to have fun, and in the coming weeks, we plan to have learn-to-skate workshops. So whether you’re experienced or just starting, we invite everyone to come skate with us!”
NoCo RoCo meets every Wednesday evening from 5:50 pm to 6:50 pm at the Baltimore Recreation Centre. Drop-in fees for roller and inline skating are $10 for adults, $5 for children and youth aged 5 to 17, and $20 for families—kids under the age of 4 skates for free.
Reservations are not needed, and people can show up anytime after 5:30 pm to register. Limited skate rentals are available for $5, which can be reserved ahead of time. “Our first drop-in was amazing! We welcomed approximately 30 to 40 people who had different stories and skill levels,” says Nicole Beatty, co-founder. “The staff at the Baltimore Recreation Centre have been excellent. We’re grateful for their support and use of the space.”
NoCo RoCo hosts weekly meet-ups on Wednesdays.
Email northumberlandrollerskating@gmail.com or follow them on Instagram
@nocorollerskatingcollective or join the Northumberland Rollerskating Collective group on Facebook.
#nocoroco, #baltimore, #rollerskating
