What is Mystic Skate?

Mystic Skate was born from a simple truth: kids in Stoughton don’t have a safe, exciting place to gather, move, and grow together. Founder Jason Atkins grew up in Milwaukee, where his rare trips to Butler Skateland left lasting memories of joy, energy, and belonging. That same spirit has guided the vision for Mystic Skate — a 15,000-square-foot community hub where families, kids, and adults can come alive again.

In a world where too many of us have grown comfortable sitting still, Mystic Skate exists to give us a reason to get up. It isn’t about money or status — it’s about passion, people, and possibility. This project is built on the belief that Stoughton deserves more than another car wash. We deserve a place that fosters excitement, health, connection, and the magic of humanity.

Mystic Skate is that place.

What is the current status of the project?

Right now, Mystic Skate is a vision in motion. We have the concept, the community need, and the passion — what we need is momentum. This website is the first step toward building awareness, gathering support, and proving that Stoughton is ready for something bold, exciting, and community-driven.

Dude....like....why?

Because kids (and adults) in Stoughton deserve better. Growing up, I only got to visit skating rinks on rare occasions, and those experiences shaped me. They gave me joy, energy, and belonging. Mystic Skate is about giving that gift back to today’s generation, right here in town. It's also fun. Skating is fun.....and I am basically just a big kid.

Who can be involved and how?

Everyone has a role in this. You can:

• Sign the Petition – Show the city and potential funders that this matters.

• Share Your Skating Scoop – Tell us your favorite skating memory or story; together we can build a community narrative that inspires others.

• Spread the Word – Talk about Mystic Skate, share on social media, and make this idea catch fire.

How much money will this cost?

A lot. Building a 15,000-square-foot community skating and recreation center is a major investment. Early estimates put the project at several million dollars, but the path forward is clear: start with awareness, demonstrate community support, and then move to funding through a mix of donations, grants, sponsorships, and loans.

What are our next steps?

• Awareness – Build community excitement and show that Stoughton wants this.

• Make the idea catch fire – Get people talking and sharing their stories.

• Petition drive – Collect signatures to show demand.

• Kickstarter/Donations – Launch crowdfunding to prove community buy-in.

• Secure financing – Work with One Community Bank in Stoughton, WI to secure a loan, supported by our fundraising and down payment.

Where will Mystic Skate be located?

We are evaluating potential sites in Stoughton, with Main Street as the preferred location. Another option is the new Stoughton Trailers campus. The goal is a location that is central, visible, and easy to access for families.

Will Mystic Skate just be a skating rink?

No — skating is the heart of it, but Mystic Skate will be a full community hub. Think live DJ nights, themed events, family skate sessions, training programs for kids, concessions, and a space that grows with the community.

How will this benefit the community?

Mystic Skate isn’t just entertainment — it’s about health, connection, and opportunity. It gives kids a safe and positive space to go, encourages people to get active, and creates local jobs. It also keeps families and teens spending their time (and money) in Stoughton rather than driving to other cities.

What can I do today to help?

Sign the petition. Share your story. Spread the word. The more voices that come together, the more power we have to turn this from vision into reality.