Rainbow Dome, New Art-filled Roller Rink, Skating Into the Mile High

As we continue to navigate the pandemic, many people have adopted new hobbies and activities to help stay active and burst serotonin, and rollerskating is no exception. Adults who grew up in the 80s and 90s especially will recall their experiences circling their local roller rink, the theatrics and drama of potentially skating with a crush, maybe even a cheesy line-dance on wheels. Denverites could soon get a taste of nostalgia and embrace a new, artistic space with the new project, Rainbow Dome.

Rainbow Dome was conceptualized by friends and artistic collaborators Frankie Toan and Therin Zimmerman, according to Westword Magazine. Neither were necessarily seasoned roller skaters, though they came up with the idea for a friendly, experimental art space that could also act as an art-filled rink for skaters of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

They are currently in the process of creating decor and more functional pieces (like eclectically painted bumpers), though they are also looking at places to introduce the concept as a pop-up while they continue piecing together where Rainbow Dome’s permanent home will reside.

Toan explains to Westword that the idea for a roller rink came from their membership to the Secret Love Collective, an artist group which aims to create safe installations for queer people and allies to come together as peers, without the fear of violence or bias. With this aim in mind, the pair looked at options that would contribute to this idea, something with a universal appeal that would also be welcoming for queer people and artistic experimentation.

“Roller skating is something that people can understand,” Zimmerman says. “And Denver has a huge skate community.”

The pair began by taking skating lessons, signing up to learn the basics, even though Zimmerman chimes in that no one has to be an advanced skater to enjoy these types of spaces, either. The pair also has experience working on separate projects for Meow Wolf’s upcoming attraction Convergence Station, which they cite as valuable experience on their upcoming endeavor.

While the gears are turning, Zimmerman and Toan haven’t been able to pin down a time frame for each step of the business plan. Just securing a permanent space for Rainbow Dome could take up to a year to finalize, according to Zimmerman.

Rainbow Dome just boasted two open-house events over the weekend, which they pointed to on a recent Instagram post‘s caption: “We’re ready for yah Denver! Thanks so much for comin out last night, we had a great time meeting you all.”

They hope to have similar-regular pop-ups and begin opening up the conversation with the community, so when the time comes, the Denver community knows where to go for an artistic, communal, and skate-heavy experience.

Keep up with Zimmerman, Toan, and Rainbow Dome by visiting their Instagram and official website.

Photo courtesy of Rainbow Dome on Instagram