The City of LaPorte is closing its downtown ice rink this winter after the city decided the cost of keeping it open has become too high.

City officials point to rising utility and other operating costs, along with the staff needed to run the rink.

The city says it wants to look at other options for the space and is asking people in LaPorte to share their ideas for what could take the rink’s place.

The city is also thanking the people who used the rink over the years, along with the sponsors, funders and others who helped keep it going.