A cherished piece of Orange’s past is rolling into the future. The iconic Spinning Wheels roller rink is being transformed into the Ochoa Rec Center (ORC), thanks to the vision and dedication of local entrepreneur Jonathan Ochoa. The revitalized venue is set for a soft launch on July 26. 2025 with local vendors and proceeds benefiting CASA of Southeast Texas.
Ochoa, a Southeast Texas business owner and father of seven boys, purchased the nostalgic roller rink with the goal of creating a vibrant, family-friendly space for the community. The full grand opening is slated for September 2025.
“I used to skate when I was a kid, but I get the nostalgia behind skating,” said Ochoa. “I get that people really, really like it.”
Despite initially feeling unprepared, Ochoa jumped at the chance to buy the rink when the opportunity arose. Visitors walking through the doors have been delighted to find that much of the original charm remains. “Every time someone would come in, they’d take their breath away. They’d be shocked that it still looks exactly like it used to when they were kids,” Ochoa added. “Now I fully want to embrace the nostalgia.”
The project is personal for Ochoa, who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, then battled a life-threatening brain tumor—a lemon-sized mass that required months of radiation and recovery. Through it all, Ochoa’s motivation has remained clear: building a legacy for his children and his community.
“My wife and I, we have seven kids, all boys, and I want to build a legacy for my kids,” said Ochoa. “After COVID and my health scare, I realized how fragile life can be. The ORC is part of what I hope to leave behind.”
Ochoa envisions the Ochoa Rec Center as more than just a roller rink—it’s a “third place” where families and individuals can find connection beyond home, school, and work. “Maybe the ORC can be your third place,” he said.
With dreams of one day adding a water park to the area, Ochoa is just getting started. For now, he invites families from across Southeast Texas to lace up their skates, revisit the magic of the 90s, and make new memories at the Ochoa Rec Center.
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