In the greater DeKalb community, one aspiring business owner has been working toward opening a roller skating rink to provide another third space to city residents.

Community member Lorraine Dixon has been slowly laying the building blocks for the space by petitioning the city of DeKalb and getting the necessary permits.

The project has been named “Sunshine On Wheels,” a name which captures a vision of vibrant energy and the feel good vibes of roller rinks Dixon fondly remembers from her own experiences.

“I grew up going to a skating rink out in Markham, Illinois. I know how fun it is to have a skating rink. Then, I got to digging even more and I became a member of the Roller Rink Association (RSA),” Dixon said. “Really it was that I had a dream of the name ‘Sunshine on Wheels,’ then I got to seeing all the videos and I was just like, yeah, we need a skating rink.” 

Dixon’s goal is to create an environment that feels welcoming and community oriented. The space has everything from event rooms available for rent, restricted areas for those 21 and up and various game rooms meant for people of all ages. “It’s definitely gonna be for everyone. So on the first floor, there will be the skating rink area and I want a laser tag room, a dance floor room, a toddler’s room and the concession area. On the second floor there will be a 21 and up only room, and also there will be a skating area up there for the adults,” Dixon said.

The focus of her vision is the impact that Sunshine on Wheels would have on the community, and while the idea alone is her plan, Dixon spoke on the process that’s been happening to make her dream a reality. 

This process includes gaining building permits from the city of DeKalb and beginning the training to receive qualifications from the RSA, finding donors and supporters to back her petition to City Council and finding the venue to begin the building process and make it all happen.

Going forward, Dixon’s long-term goals have remained the same, hoping to have the roller rink open around the 2027 spring semester.

“It might be still getting built just to make sure you know everything is going right and everything is secure. But I believe by this time next year, we hopefully should be opening doors,” Dixon said.

To keep up with Dixon’s journey and process as she works towards her goal, updates can be found on Facebook under Lorraine Dixon.