Roller-skating rink manager keeps center family-friendly

The scent of roller-skating rink — a mingling of resin, hot dogs, and leather skates — permeates Terri Halter's clothes.

"My house smells like a skating rink," she said. "I bring home the smell."

As manager of Hot Wheels Family Skating Center on Folly Road and daughter of its owner, Halter spends many hours doing a little of everything, from manning the admission counter to doling out skates and creating marketing campaigns. Sometimes she's "the french fry lady," and more often than not, the deejay.

To the kids who want a certain song, she's "Ms. Terri." But no matter how many times they ask, she's not going to play "Soulja Boy" in this family-friendly environment. The mother of three has age-appropriate playlists ready for each session. Preschoolers get Disney tunes, and adults get '70s music or Top 40.

On this day, she's leading a game of "Wipe Out." Most of the children are regulars, and she calls them out by name.

Her 12-year-old daughter, Brittany, glides effortlessly over the varnished wood floor.

"My children grew up in here," Halter said. "My girl went to sleep here at night."

Halter started working at Hot Wheels in 1994. She became manager in 2004 when her mother, Sheryl Benton, bought the business. Halter's parents, husband and cousins work at the rink. Benton's business philosophy is "Children come first," and her family is working to continue the kid-friendly environment that previous owner Randy Talbot brought back to the 31-year-old rink, Halter said.

Teens who sit too close, hold hands or act too sullen risk getting squirted with a water bottle.

"Fourteen (years old) is it," Halter said. "They're usually not in here after that. We keep it so wholesome, most of 'em don't want to be here."

Her mother's desire to give children a place to go is one reason admission hasn't increased in some time, Halter said. Admission and skate rental range from $3 to $8, depending on the day. On Sundays, a family of five can skate for $12.

Halter, born and raised on James Island, now lives on Johns Island. She works at the rink about six days a week during the summer, and four days a week during the school year. When she's not there, she's cutting grass for her husband's lawn mowing company. "I just like being here," Halter said. "It's not a drag to be here from 1 o'clock to 9 or 10 at night. It's an experience, being here with the children."

Reach Kristen Hankla at 937-5548 or khankla@postandcourier.com.