MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- A community hub for Michiana athletes was forced to scale its final wall Sunday as rising utility costs are driving the local gym to permanent closure.

The climbing gym, Apex, was more than just a place to work out, climbers say, it was a space for beginners and experts alike to share common interests.

Many of those climbers came out one last time Sunday.

ABC57 spoke with the owner of Apex who gave thanks to those who helped make it more than just a place to climb.

"Thank you for the journey. It's been amazing. I've really loved this. It's been challenging in many ways. There's been joy, there's been tears, there's been frustrations, but for me, the joy outshines everything, the happiness and everything that the people, the customers here and our staff exude, it's just it's heartwarming for me," says Michael Dickens, Lead Owner of Apex Climbing Gym.

Dickens says there's no word yet on what could come next for the space off Grape Road.