TEMECULA -- Don Rogers is a man who does not shy away from roller skates, probably because skates brought some good things to his life -- like the night in 1991, when he was on a roller-skating date that led to a wedding ceremony with one special roller girl.

The Rogers family of Murrieta -- Don, his wife, Lisa, and daughters Caitlin and Brittney -- were showing off their skills at Family Fun Skate Night at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park on Friday night. The park's roller hockey area was abuzz with roller blades, Hula Hoops, bouncy balls and pad-covered children -- plus Don.

"This is something a little bit different to do," Rogers said. "We're always busy with the girls and soccer, but roller skating is great."

Lisa Rogers, who sat rinkside, watched her daughters and husband cruise around.

"I wish they would do (skate night) more often," said Lisa Rogers, who was unable to join her family because she "broke a lace the last time we were skating."

"Usually we have to drive to Escondido or Riverside for an indoor rink, but this facility is great, too."

Dawn Adamiak, senior recreation coordinator for the Temecula Community Services Department, said the skate night is part of the monthly Family Fun nights offered by the city.

"This is one we do every year in August, but we have some events planned that are brand new for the city," she said.

Upcoming Family Fun Nights include Swing Dance & Etiquette, Ice Cream Social and Sock Hop, as well as Country Line Dancing.

Debbie Pixley of Temecula, who accompanied her daughter Mackenzie at the skating event, said she has signed up for all the Family Fun Nights as soon as she received the listing from the city.

"This is a really good community and they are always offering something new," Pixley said.

Mackenzie was all about it as well. The 7-year-old was one of the first people to arrive at the event. And one hour into the skate night, she had mastered roller skating while Hula-Hooping. The energetic girl shared her roller skating secret of success.

"When I was 5, I tried to learn to skate and I fell on my butt -- but I didn't give up," she said.

Gladys and Kevin Hall of Temecula watched as their son Andrew, 8, skated and made some new friends.

"We have lived here for four years and are so thankful for the programs offered," Gladys said. "Right now, (our son) is taking soccer, swimming, golf and basketball. He just got his skates on June 30 and he's doing well."

The Halls weren't taking any chances with safety and had their son decked out with a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads and elbow pads.

But Mackenzie Pixley, who was nearby, suggested one more piece of protective equipment.

"He needs a butt pad," she said.

For information on Family Fun Night activities or to register, call the Community Service Department at (951) 694-6480.

Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.