MARYSVILLE — Michael Louis’ original plan was to become a teacher and counselor, and he put himself through school by working at the Kent Skate King.

“I’ve kept that same goal of reaching out to people, but I guess I never really left the Skate King,” said Louis, who brings his 25 years of subsequent experience at the Bellevue Skate King to his new job as owner of the Marysville Skate Center (formerly the Skate Inn).

Louis still runs the Skate King in Bellevue, having worked his way up from being its DJ and assistant manager, but he took over what’s now the Skate Center last fall because he wanted the Marysville community to have a family friendly place to hang out.

“Our biggest priority was making sure families would feel confident and safe in leaving their kids here,” Louis said. “I’ve always wanted to help people and be part of their lives. This gives me the chance to make those connections in a different environment.”

Louis proudly touted the creative outlet that the Skate Center offers to groups ranging from artistic skaters to Zumba skaters.

“It’s great to be able to help people create precious memories,” Louis said. “We live in such a fast-paced world of computers and cell phones, but we need to balance that out with some face-to-face interaction time, and it’s all the better when they can do it in a place of fun and music.”

Not only does Louis welcome private parties to book times at the Skate Center, but he also welcomes their input online at www.marysvilleskatecenter.com.

“I want to hear their suggestions and concerns,” Louis said. “We want to honor what’s worked in the past, while infusing this place with new ideas.”

The Marysville Skate Center is at 7313 44th Ave. NE. Its next big event is the Valentine Skate and Dance from 7:30 p.m. to midnight Friday, Feb. 13. For details, call 360-659-3900.