West Suffield, CT 06093

Babbs Roller Skating Rink
Babbs Road
West Suffield is located in northern Connecticut, between Springfield, Massachusetts and Granby/Simsbury Connecticut. The Babbs rink is on the shore of Congamond lakes. From I-91, get off at exit 40 - Rt 20 and head west towards the airport. Continue on Rt 20 to Rt 187, turn right to head north on Rt 187 for about four miles, then turn left onto Rt 168 and follow Rt 168 for about four more miles to Babbs Road. Turn right onto Babbs Road, The rink could be here, or a mile further north in the Babbs Beach area. In general, look for signs pointing at the lakes/recreation area, it's not directly visible from the road.

Wood Floor - Pretty Smooth
Snack Bar - Games - No Smoking
In-line Skates permitted and available for rent

[lainer@map.com (Ellen Lainer) ]
On June 30th [1996], Babbs will be closing its doors. Apparently, the old building is in need of major electrical updating (to the tune of $30,000). I was hoping that the town would take it over, or that some wealthy soul would buy and renovate the place, but it doesn't seem to be happening. I just starting going to Babbs this year, as I am a new resident to the area. I am saddened to see it close.

[ web gleanings ]
Babbs Beach was a summer lake resort operated by the Babbs Family. As recreation trends changes, the resort became less active and Nelson Babb Jr. eventually donated the property to the town, on the provision that he could retain his residence and lease the rink back for a nominal sum. The town operated a recreation program at the beach until recent budget cutbacks. Babbs, 77, was content to operate the roller rink and donated the proceeds to various self-help charities.

The rink did close in in June 1996, and there was an auction to sell off all the skating related equipment in September. A newspaper article mentioned that some people were interested in operating the facility as a rink, but made it sound more like wishful thinking than serious. It also implied that the town would rather have a parking lot or soccer field at the lake than a commercial operation.