The Highland Ice Arena, opened since 1962, will be closing next month.

Through the decades, the arena has seen innumerable skating lessons, hockey games, parties and practices.

The original owners, Dorothy and Jim Stephens, passed away at the age of 99 and 100, respectively — in 2021 and 2022.  This left the business to their children, Terry and Rick, along with their spouses.

According to the Shoreline Area News: “Terry, their daughter and 40-plus- year skating director, says growing up in her family was the best life. The entire skating community is very close. They shared stories of falling asleep in the music room on New Year’s Eve because they kept the ice arena open until 12:15 a.m. to ring in the new year with everyone.”

Surviving family members say it’s tough to run a business, let alone get up and down into the Zamboni these days. So they decided to sell. The deal closes Oct. 6.

This ending will surely melt a lot of hearts.