Get your skates on – a birthday bash on wheels is heading to Speers Point Park this weekend.
Lake Macquarie City Council has joined forces with the 80s Skaties rollerskating group that gathers weekly in front of the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima (MAP, mima), to help celebrate its 5th birthday on Friday 3 November.
The 'Rollertopia' event will kick off with a roll-out from Warners Bay to Speers Point Park, at 5.30pm, followed by an 80s-themed fancy dress disco with food trucks and a DJ playing on the MAP mima stage.
MAP mima Curator Pippa Budge said 80s Skaties had grown from a modest gathering of friends seeking a bit of rollerskating fun to a weekly ritual for dozens, or frequently hundreds, of people.
"This is an event driven by the community, and it is fabulous to see how far it has come," she said.
"One of the key features is its inclusiveness. People of all ages and abilities rock up every Friday night, and everyone is always so happy and welcoming."
80s Skaties spokeswoman Lesa Rusforth said skating helped develop coordination and confidence, and built important social bonds.
"The benefits are countless, and it is very addictive," she said.
"Our mission is to keep growing the essence of our common passion of rollerskating, with a community of love and respect for all ages, cultures, races and genders."
Ms Rushforth said attendance to the Friday night skating sessions in Speers Point Park had doubled in the past 12 months, prompting organisers to partner with Chuffed Skates to establish a loan bank of equipment.
The bank includes skates, pads, helmets and frames for beginners to give the sport a try before investing in their own gear.
Friday night's event coincides with the latest instalment of Friday Night Foodies at Speers Point Park, featuring gourmet food trucks and an over-18s bar from Harry & Lola's with local beer and wine, house-made cocktails and pretzels.
The Foodies program runs Fridays 5-8pm until April.
Ms Budge said visitors could also check out MAP mima's latest public art installation, Lady of the Lake, by renowned artist Sanné Mestrom – an abstract concrete and brass sculpture designed as both an artwork and something for kids to climb on.
Go to arts.lakemac.com.au for information on programs and events at MAP mima.
