(La Porte, IN) - The City of La Porte is exploring the possibility of purchasing a refrigerated ice skating rink.

 

A portable rink was put up last winter for the first time at State and Monroe streets to help generate more interest in the downtown.

 

At last week’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting, Mayor Tom Dermody said he expected the portable rink to be more of a revenue generator than it was.

 

However, Dermody felt turnout was strong enough for a rink to become self-sufficient and a difference maker in the community to support examining the possibility of the city buying a rink.

 

“When you look at Valparaiso and some of the other communities on how they started with a portable rink and where they are today, and we talk about a healthier community, I think this could be something very special,” Dermody said.

 

Dermody said sponsorships would be sought to help offset the cost of a rink.

 

City Engineer Nick Minich was permitted to explore the cost of buying a rink and the cost of renting a rink. Minich said it’s possible purchasing one might not cost any more than renting.

 

Last year, the city, with help from sponsors, rented a 40x60 rink for $60,000 from Wayne Seybold, a former U.S. Olympic ice skater. The rink was up from January 21 to February 21.