When Skate Along USA opened on a nondescript patch of Beaver Ruin Road in Lilburn in 1978, 16-year-old Tim Thomas quickly made it his go-to place to hang out with friends and show off his skating tricks.

“Before then, there was nothing to do on weekends around here,” Thomas said. “The rink became a magnet.”

Multiple generations of kids blew out birthday candles, scarfed down pizza, played pinball and experienced their first kisses in the nooks and crannies of the 22,000-square-foot space.

But that’s about to end. Landlord Jason Chan sold the property to a buyer who has no plans to keep a skating rink in the building. The result: Skate Along USA is closing for good Aug. 24.

After hearing the news, Thomas, a lanky 63-year-old Lawrenceville patio installer, came by during open skate Aug.

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