MANKATO, Minn. — A fire has gutted a YMCA indoor skate park in Mankato.
The fire at the Chesley Roller Sport Park was reported shortly after 9:30 a.m. Saturday. It was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived at the park, which is just down the block from a fire station.
For the hoodie-wearing teens who call the skate park their home away from home, The Free Press reports (http://bit.ly/1egEZKI ) that witnessing the scene was like watching the slow death of a very dear friend. Some shed tears, others exchanged hugs. Most stood and watched the spectacle silently.
Nobody was inside when the fire started. The park is owned by the Mankato Family YMCA, After a month-long closure for renovations, the center was just about to reopen. Discussions about rebuilding already have begun.
