Something for everybody

By Matthieu Vollmer

Business Writer

MARSHFIELD — In January, Melody Gardens Restaurant and Skateland hosted St. Mary’s School during Catholic Schools Week, an annual event in which students visit the skateland for a day of roller skating and entertainment. St. Mary’s is located in Marathon City.

“I love working with kids and teaching them how to skate,” said Margie Schmidt, a Marshfield native and owner of Melody Gardens.

Melody Gardens, opened in 1974 by Alvin and Gladys Brock, employs 42 individuals between the skateland and restaurant. The restaurant opened in 1980.

When asked what she liked about coming to Melody Gardens, Ella Mader, a fifth grader at St. Mary’s, said, “Roller skating with our friends.”

Hollie Mader, Ella’s mother and a fifth grade teacher at St. Mary’s, said, “Yes, it’s fun. It’s fun to see how the kids have fun outside of school.”

Schmidt said all of the Marathon City Catholic schools visit for Catholic Schools Week each year.

A family business

Melody Gardens is a member of the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the National Roller Skating Association, the Wisconsin Roller Skating Association, and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

Schmidt has been part of the family business since she was a teenager and has a wealth of restaurant and roller skating knowledge. She offers skating lessons to those interested.

“Come on a slower afternoon session to learn. It’s frequency that helps you learn. We offer lessons throughout the year and have some coming up in March,” said Schmidt.

Regular skateland admission is $3.75 per person, including skate rental. Admission on Christian music skate nights is $3.25 including skate rentals. Upcoming Christian music skate nights are on Feb. 27, March 27, and April 24.

The skateland is available for party rentals, and prices depend on the duration and number of attendees.

Schmidt added that customer service is a top priority at Melody Gardens.

“The customers come first, and we are very big on that. We make sure every customer is attended to, taken care of, and catered to.”

When asked what she recommends to someone who has not been to Melody Gardens, Schmidt said, “Come down, and give us a try. Our ice cream is homemade and served all year round. We have 20 different flavors at all times.”

The skateland is open on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The restaurant, which is attached to the skateland, is open Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information on Melody Gardens, call 715-384-3326, visit melodygardensmarshfield.com, or search for “Melody Gardens” on Facebook.