Opening day set for downtown Kelowna’s skating rink

KELOWNA – City crews will begin flooding Stuart Park Skating Rink this weekend, and plan to open it to the public Dec. 1.

Arenas and stadiums supervisor Steve Fagan says crews will start laying the ice in the evenings into next week.

“It’s our seventh season and we’ve added a few new things this year,” Fagan says in a media release. “Skaters will really like the new fire pit for warming up when it’s cold, and of course we have the Canada 150 banners around the rink.”

A streaming webcam is set up, allowing visitors a chance to check conditions or watch the creation of one of Kelowna’s favourite winter spots.

Free skating will start Friday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. and run from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day until late February.

Skates, helmets and EZ bars will be available to rent on site daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the skating season. On Christmas Eve the rink will close at 6 p.m. and be closed for Christmas Day.

“The public is asked to abide by the rink regulations as posted on surrounding signs and are encouraged to wear helmets,” the release says.

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