Murrieta Rollerskating Rink Slapped After Reopening Amid COVID-19

MURRIETA, CA — A Murrieta rollerskating rink, which reopened despite a state order mandating the closure of all indoor entertainment centers due to coronavirus, was hit with a temporary restraining order and forced to shutter, owners of the facility announced.

But the owners of Epic Rollertainment, 39809 Avenida Acacias, say they will fight on.

"Despite our desire to bring some positivity and hope back into our community after being closed for 9 long months, our best efforts have needlessly been thwarted!" Joe and Shauna Grammatico posted Dec. 30 on Epic's Facebook page.

According to the Grammaticos, a lawsuit has been filed by the County of Riverside against them and Epic.

"Joe and I did not open our doors without A LOT of careful consideration. We fully grasp the severity of this virus and do not take lightly the suffering it has brought to so many, however this virus is not the only threat we are all facing right now," the Epic Facebook post continued. "I have heard from so many of you about the struggles you and your children have been going through due to these lockdowns and we were so glad that we were able to bring some joy back into your lives, even if only for a moment. We did everything in our power to make sure we were opening responsibly and we need the city to understand that."

The Grammaticos are asking residents to write an email to the City of Murrieta and Murrieta City Council members on their behalf, letting government leaders know "exactly what our facility means to [you] and your family."

The couple's post continued, "We need to flood them with as many letters as we can so they understand what these closures are doing to all of us."

In light of Epic's closure, the Grammaticos said anyone who purchased admission tickets to the rink and/or skate rentals last week will be given a full refund.