GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — After more than 50 years, a Grand Island landmark, and a Nebraska staple, will be closing their doors.

Steve Anderson, the owner of Skate Island of Grand Island, Neb. announced that the skating rink is closing permanently.

“We understand this news will be met with a lot of disappointment,” the Anderson family said.

The Anderson Family said it has owned Skate Island since 1959, so making the decision to close was extremely difficult. The family also said that they explored many different options to allow them to reopen, but all of them sadly fell through.

“Over the past 50+ years, Skate Island thrived because it was a safe and enjoyable family entertainment destination. It was a place to celebrate your kids’ birthday and a place that kids could then return to as an adult to do the same for their kids. We realize the importance a place like Skate Island has been to the community, which makes this decision even harder.”

The full statement from the Anderson family is as followed:

"To our skating community,

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Skate Island will not be reopening. Following the collapse of our roof in February, we explored multiple paths back to reopening and even vetted a sale to a large roller rink operator out of Colorado. Unfortunately, there was not an option to rebuild that was economically feasible.

"We understand this news will be met with a lot of disappointment. The Anderson family has owned and operated Skate Island since 1969. Over the past 50+ years, Skate Island thrived because it was a safe and enjoyable family entertainment destination. It was a place to celebrate your kid’s birthday and a place THAT kid could then return to as an adult to do the same for their kids. We realize the importance a place like Skate Island has been to the community, which makes this decision even harder.

"The Anderson family would like to thank the Grand Island community for continually supporting our business over the years. We also thank all the amazing employees that worked at Skate Island. If you ever donned the Panda Bear costume, served an Italian ice, passed out skates, drove the Fun Bus, DJ’ed a “sock hop” or ran the limbo contest, you helped make Skate Island a special place.

"What we wouldn’t give to take one more lap around our maple rotunda floor (counter-clockwise of course). It’s unfortunate it had to end this way, but we will cherish all the memories that were made along the way. Long live the skate!

"Sincerely,

"Steve Anderson and the Skate Island Family