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Randy Barger has a long history with Roundup Roller Rink, the big brown building at 1391 Main St. in Hamilton.

"I've been roller-skating all my life," said the local plumber and entrepreneur. "I skated in that rink when it was brand new. When I was a teenager, I hung around there and worked there in the summers."

Eighteen months ago, Barger took over operations of the Tri-Skateland in Fairfield, another area rink that was on the verge of destruction.

"They were going to shut it down completely," he said.

So he took it over, and with that much experience, he approached the owner of the Roundup building and made an offer.

"He had a heart attack and didn't want anyone else to run it," he said. "But since I had been running Tri-Skateland, he let me take a shot at it."

Except for a few repairs in the roof, the building was in good shape and ready to go after a little clean-up, he said. He went through all the skates that were on hand, but decided that it would be better — and cheaper — to purchase 250 new pair.

In addition to skating, the snack bar also is open and Barger opened up a skateboard shop inside.

Roundup is currently open for the following sessions:

• Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; $3 admission includes skate rentals.

• Fridays and Saturdays from

6:30 to 9 p.m.; $5 admission plus $2 skate rental.

• Fridays and Saturdays from

9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; $6 admission and $2 skate rental.

• Sundays from 2 to 5:30 p.m.; $5 admission includes skate rental.

Roundup also is open for groups. For information, call (513) 867-1475.