Xtreme Wheels Extremely Fun
Xtreme Wheels is the only real game in town when it comes to satisfying skateboarders, in line skaters and BMX bikers. In fact, Xtreme Wheels boasts the biggest, most diverse skate park in a 100-mile radius, the nearest being Rochester.
Co-owner, Virginia Mazgajewski (Maz-guy-eff-ski), said, “A lot of people come here from Rochester ‘cause they like us better.” Opened in December of 2003 with partners, Bill Shylo and Robert Clark, Mazgajewski also said that it was the trios combined talents that set the stage in the old, vacuous former malting company they occupy on Hertel Avenue.
“They built me the stage, and I run the show,” Mazgajewski said.
The building’s history is one of the many things Mazgajewski is proud of in discussing the business she refers to as “Our house”. “This is not a faceless corporation. I love what I do here.” Almost on cue, a small boy of about 8 named Brandon approached. “Virginia? My mom left, and my money’s in the car, and I want to call her to come back and give me money.”
“No, honey,” Virginia answered. “Your mother is far away, and we’re not going to make her drive back here for that. I’ll lend you money.”
“You’re the best, Virginia,” Brandon said while she peeled a ten off for him.
“Put this deep in your pocket, and me and your mom will square-up at the end,” she said, handing Brandon the bill.
It’s this sort of personal touch, given by Mazgajewski, who was born and raised in South Buffalo, that keeps kids and their parents coming back for more. Between December 22nd and January 1st of this year, 1200 kids visited Xtreme Wheels.
Mazgajewski threw a third year anniversary in December and was showered with gifts from her clients. In addition, one young skater of her 6,000 registered members sang her a song that still makes her well up. Then again, this is a woman who makes bag lunches for her summer camp charges; there are relationships built here.
A one-year membership is $9. Admission goes from $5 to $10, depending on specials and times. And once per month, the Grom Club, kids 13 and under, meet free and exclusively, from 9:30 to noon. Additionally, JP and company, from Sunday Skate Shop show up and give Grom Club members pointers.
Virginia, always looking for ways to please the kids, holds a raffle on Grom Club days. Everyone wins something from stickers to T-shirts, and today JP threw in a Sunday skateboard.
For more information on Xtreme Wheels’ hours and offerings, including celebrities who have visited and awards Mazgajewski has won, visit: www.xtreme-wheels.com
356 Hertel Ave BFLO 14207 M-F 4PM to 10PM SAT Noon to 10PM SUN Noon to 9PM 871-9361
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LivingForge
You know posts like this one and the Science Spot one make me think that BRO ought to have a KIDS! tab. A few months ago there was a reader question about what to do with kids downtown and a few people thought "nothing" or "go to Rochester." Posts like this one are giving me new ideas about kid-friendly Buffalo. Another urban lifestyle blogs has just launched a kid tab, and that is apartment therapy: http://nursery.apartmenttherapy.com/
It seems to me that if part of BRO's function is to connect a younger-hipper more urban oriented demographic (including entreprenuers and new companies) then focusing on the huge quality of life issue (one that some people think about much more than even nightlife, restaurants, and real estate) would be wise. I don't know if something like this could only be added with BRO 3.0, but it's something to think about.
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kelly
They also frequently have punk shows there, too. It's one of the few places left in the area for a true all-ages show.
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Hodge_Podge_Ave
Don't know if this is true or not, but I heard that Dave Chappelle made it a point to visit when he was here doing his show at Shea's...
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sbrof
I am glad its doing well, everyone laughed at this guy when he started with just an idea many years ago. Good job and good luck with your venture. Are all the floors of the building open yet? I remeber him saying stuff about getting the rink area open and then working on the other floors once he gets up and running.
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parkview
Elena where is this place? What are their hours, contact info, website etc?
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ECB
Parkview--xtreme-wheels.com--just like it says in the last line of article, which I like to believe people read all the way through;-). It's at 356 Hertel Avenue. If you're heading west down Hertel, pass Military, and look for it on the right.
Here's the thing...Virginia is truly one of the sweetest people I've met in this city of good neighbors. She works 361 days per year and hasn't left Buffalo since 2000 because she's working to pay loans, taxes, insurance and utilities.
Help the girl! Go for the skating and the concerts. Bring your friends and children. It's fun, the people are good, and it's full--FULL--of good will.
Additionally, Virginia's website is loaded with cool facts and some celebrity news. Go there because she tracks the hits, and it makes her feel good.
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Broker
This place is clean, nice, proffesional, affordable and safe. Get a membership......take the kids.....
AND PEOPLE SAY THERE'S NOTHING TO DO IN BUFFALO!
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sbrof
People who say there is nothing to do in Buffalo don't look very hard. If you can't find anything to do here you certainly are not going to be happy anywhere you go.
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rockette
I've often passed by this place in Black Rock and wondered what it was like. It's so cool! I've heard nothing but good things about Xtreme Wheels and Virginia. It's a positive place for kids, I'm glad it's here. I've always loved the architecture of the old malting plant, what a great re-use of a big building. I saw a photo of Dave Chappelle with Virginia at Xtreme Wheels after his show in Buffalo, it was in the Riverside Review a few months back.
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Prl119
This looks very cool, thanks for the article I have to take my little cousins there sometime.
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rlorenz
hi, i'm a 23-year-old student, and i also like to spend as much time as i can on my BMX bike. Virginia has made it possible for me to keep on my bike thru these WNY winters for the past 3 years, and i am very appreciative of that fact. i have to say, V is a very wonderful person, and she really does go the extra mile to put all her efforts into the skatepark, so if anyone out there has kids who like to skate or ride, and havent been there yet, you should sign them up for a membership.
Also, if you haven't heard, theres a great skate/bmx shop on Potomac called Sunday. Owners Jim and J.P. are really great guys, and the shop provides a real nice positive atmosphere to hang out an meet up with other skaters/bmx riders. as far as the skate/bmx scene goes, Buffalo really is rising! So swing by Sunday or Xtreme-Wheels, and help out some local culture.
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Virginia
I truly appreciate all your kind remarks. I do work very hard here at Xtreme Wheels. I have made numerous personal and financial sacrifices to bring extreme sports to Western New York. I invite everyone to come see the amazing facility we have created. The park is a fine example of modern re use for a 110 year old building. You'll be pleasantly surprised once you enter the 30,000 sq. ft. arena and see the vert and street course filled with ramps and rails for inline skating, skateboarding, bmx bikes, and scooters. We have a video arcade, a retail center, and concessions. We are the area's largest all ages concert venue as well. We host birthday parties, youth group parties, summer camp, instructions, Grom Club (visit our web site to learn about this), events and attractions, competitions, and more. We accept Canadian at par and have a monthly activity planner that has something for everyone every day of the month. If you want to see the perfect example of Buffalo'ds entrepreneurial spirit, come to Xtreme Wheels. We are quite proud of our park and you'll see why once you come here! Visit us at www.xtreme-wheels.com.
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