We’re bringing the joy of roller skating back to the Monterey Peninsula—one smooth lap at a time. For over a century, this region has embraced roller skating, from the early days of the New Pavilion Rink in Pacific Grove to the beloved Del Monte Gardens in Monterey (closed in 2011). But since Water City closed in 2020, local families have been left without a place to roll. Kids who grew up skating fondly remember the good times, and yearn for a place to take their own children to give them the experience of zipping around a rink. We’re here to change that.
Monterey Skates is more than a rink—it’s a revival!
Born out of a growing love for skating and a community eager to reconnect, Monterey Skates offers a fresh, modern skating experience with a nostalgic heart. We host monthly sessions with rental skates in all sizes, themed nights for kids, teens, and adults, an incredible sound and light system, lessons, birthday parties, and a fully stocked snack bar. Whether you’re returning to the rink or stepping onto the floor for the first time, we’re here to help you roll into something unforgettable.
Our mission is simple: to build joy on wheels.
At Monterey Skates, we believe roller skating builds more than balance—it builds community, confidence, and lifelong memories. Our vision is to create a space where all ages feel welcome, supported, and inspired to move. Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or reliving the magic of your childhood rink, we’re here to make every lap count. We stand for inclusion, safety, fun, and that undeniable thrill when the music hits and you find your groove.
Team
Max Troyer
I’ve been a roller skater nearly my whole life—I basically grew up in a rink. I got my unofficial start when I was 8 as a volunteer costume character and junior DJ/floor guard during Saturday morning Kids Funtime sessions at Roller Dome North in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I wasn’t on the payroll, but I was paid in unlimited skating sessions and a new pair of skates every time I outgrew the last. As I got older, I held just about every job in the rink: skate rental, concessions, floor guard, and DJ. I never worked in the office—my mom had that covered—but I learned the business from the inside out and stayed involved through college.
Years later, I became one of the founding referees for the Monterey Bay Roller Derby league. I helped bring the league into the WFTDA flat-track community and served as Head Referee and Director of Development, handling everything from marketing to web management. Building that league from the ground up was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done—and it’s still rolling strong over a decade later.
Since Monterey lost its last skating rink and the derby league lost its permanent home, I’ve been on the hunt for a new space—not just for derby, but for the entire community. I’ve had countless conversations with people who share the same dream: a place to skate with their kids, reconnect with something that brings them joy, and build new memories. With my experience in rink operations, support from the derby community, and overwhelming encouragement from local families (plus a stellar general manager in Morgan), I believe now is the right time. Monterey Skates is more than a passion project—it’s a place we’re building together.
Morgan Goyette
I have been a Monterey resident for over 10 years now, and have spent the past 7 of those years as a passionately involved member of Monterey Bay Roller Derby. It was the fun times I had growing up learning to skate in Fresno at our local rinks that led me to seek out roller derby. Some of my fondest memories of childhood are open skate sessions and birthday parties at these classic rinks, but sadly nothing comparable is even offered in Monterey County to bring that introduction to a love of skating to so many kids that would benefit.
When I joined MBRD in 2016, our non-profit league possessed strength in numbers and it was very impressive to witness the yearly growth of the league as we consistently increased in size, local support and awareness, and skater skill level. At that time, we had a home in Water City Sports Center, a now red-tagged building slated for demolition to make way for a new community gym in Marina without a plan to include roller skating. Before the pandemic, I served on the board of directors for Monterey Bay Roller Derby for multiple years as the Director of Bout Production. While serving in this role, I was able to generate 8 of our historically most profitable “home game” events by immersing into the local community and gathering attendance of hundreds of old and new fans alike to cheer on Monterey Bay Roller Derby as we faced competitors from all over California. We even hosted our first annual “Otter Bowl” tournament in 2019 which brought teams from all over the country and Canada! I am thrilled at the prospect that the foundation I already possess as a league member, as well as the strength and passion of the league to have found alternative practice spots here and there to stay alive, could lead to a new and very impressive chapter for MBRD.
As a former professional nanny in the area for the past decade as well, I see a true need for a family-friendly and engaging activity for children and parents alike. The more I mention this business venture in groups of local parents, recreational skaters, competitive roller derby skaters, and people looking for a casual outing in a fun atmosphere alike, the more I am heavily encouraged to bring this dream to fruition with the knowledge, skillset, and Max’s exciting vision!