Golden Skate — Local services in Mauldin

PSA: please read all. I don't usually leave a review for places unless I've been touched in a great way by the people or food or whatever it is I happen to be dealing with. Tonight was one of the worst experiences of my life. Not for me...but for the sake of my kids. I am a frequent visitor of this skating rink. I love the fact that it's a safe place to drop your kids off for them to have fun, and you can leave if need be, and come back...I arrived at approximately 9:45pm knowing the kids would have an hour to skate at the most...after making sure all kids had socks, I got out and walked in prepared to pay. Not only wasn't I properly greeted, but the first thing out of the staff's mouth was "Y'ALL GON HAVE TO TAKE THAT OFF" so you can imagine I'm Quite puzzled .I briefly looked around and proceed to say "take what off"? To which I am advised "the bandana's". I nicely tell the man I'm not going in, and that my son has on a du-rag, not a bandana. (Earlier in the day he got a haircut and put it on shortly after to preserve his freshly cut hair) now I fully understand that establishments have rules that must be followed but the way in which he spoke to us was harsh, rude and unecessary. I looked at him and said I come here often, you know me and you did not have to speak to us in that manner. There is a proper way to inform someone of something. Period. He then proceeds to say "ok, gimme the wristbands back and slides my money I just paid back on the counter." I was very upset, and still am. I told him, "you're not hurting my feelings, I was never going skating, the kids were. Now first of all he was way out of line. Everyone of African American descent who wears a bandana is not affiliated with a gang. Secondly, the banadana I was wearing was neatly tied around my edges, (bad hair day) and was obtained through OOBE which is a well known clothing brand. I was never entering the premises to skate, my kids were... And thirdly, my son had on a du-rag, not a bandana. There is a difference . We had no problem complying with the rules, but when you have a person bullying people around and speaking to them in an insinuating, judgeful manner is when it becomes unacceptable. I'm leaving this review because I want it to be documented, and I would like to speak with the owner of the establishment. My daughter is only 7 years old and she cried about it afterwards. This is not okay. If he is going to be dealing with the public on a daily basis, then perhaps he should take etiquette classes to know how to properly handle such situations. If anyone knows the owner, please let them know this review is here and I would like to converse with them about the situation. Thank you, and I hope your experience will be much more pleasant than...

I usually never leave negative reviews and always jump at the chance to lift a business up. However, this situation involves the well-being of patrons, so I feel compelled to warn others.

Upon arriving at Golden Skate in Simpsonville, SC, my family and I immediately noticed that it was hotter inside the building than outside in the middle of August. Despite this, we decided to stay, as we had driven a considerable distance to get there. Unfortunately, our children quickly became overheated and asked for water. That’s when I discovered that the manager had intentionally set the temperature to 80 degrees. With the crowd inside, it felt closer to 90 degrees.

Concerned for my children’s health and safety, I went out to my car to retrieve their water bottles. As I tried to re-enter, the manager accosted me at the door, stating that I couldn’t bring the water into the building. I explained how unsafe it was to deprive people of water in such extreme heat, especially since he had set the thermostat so high. He shrugged his shoulders, showing a complete lack of concern.

Frustrated, I went to gather my family so we could leave. While I was doing so, the manager harassed me over the intercom, announcing that my water wasn’t allowed in the building. His behavior was both absurd and rude. My husband approached him to reiterate our concern for our children’s health, given that the manager was intentionally keeping the building so hot. The manager was incredibly rude to my husband and insisted that if we wanted water, we would need to purchase it from him.

I understand that concessions are a part of business, and I respect that. However, my concern is that the manager of Golden Skate is intentionally keeping the rink dangerously hot to force patrons into buying more from the concession stand. This is not only unethical but also poses a serious risk of heat injuries. For this reason, we will not be returning.

As we were leaving, we noticed a young lady lying on her back on the skate rink floor. My children mentioned that she seemed unconscious. Shockingly, the staff appeared completely unfazed and did not respond at all.

For the safety of your family and in support of better business ethics, I strongly recommend finding another skate rink for...

I am not the type to post complaints. My views are my own and I don’t place much value on them when others can make their own assumptions. I work at a different skating rink so I would not have come here if it wasn’t for my son having a date here. I have worn roller blades since the early 90’s and I am not capable of swapping to quads. That being said as I entered the door I was meet with a strict but nice enough we don’t allow roller blades. If the website says so I do not know, but I said that’s fine I will just sit then and my boys will skate. Before I could get 10 feet in the door I Was meet by a very rude little lady who told me that I couldn’t have roller blades here at all! Now mind you I will always be kind no matter what so my response was this yes man the gentleman at the door mentioned that, that’s why I’m sitting down. As for the aesthetics… the music is a good mix of oldies and new songs, but the sound system is very outdated and warm out. The floor from what I can see is very warm out as well. I would only be able to tell you more if I was allowed to skate but I digress. The rink itself has a good vibe that seems very welcoming to kids of all ages. The only reason I give it a one star and not better is firstly to turn away customers on the soul basis of roller blades is ridiculous since they have been around for nearly 30 years, but for the most part it’s the decorum of the personal for their treatment of people who use them. Again… this is their rink and they can choose what to allow, just as it’s my right to come here or not. Not trying to change their minds, just a warning really to all roller bladders that you are not welcome here as they have so shown me today. I know from experience that there are good and bad skaters that use both types of skates. For instance at my rink we don’t allow power sliding which damages the floor, but I see that happening every five seconds here without interference from the employees. To the skating rink I hold no hard feelings, just giving my earnest opinion and it can be taken or...