City taking over outdoor rink in downtown Penticton

The outdoor skating rink in downtown Penticton used to be operated by a non-profit, but now the city is taking over.

The rink at Gyro Park has been operated by Activate Penticton since it opened in 2022, but the city is going to be in charge of operations from now on, according to a City of Penticton media release issued today, Sept. 16.

“We are deeply grateful to Drew Barnes, the Activate Penticton Society, and the many sponsors and volunteers whose vision and dedication brought this rink to life,” Mayor Julius Bloomfield said in the release. “Their efforts have created a gathering place that’s become a cherished part of our community. The city is proud to carry this legacy forward and ensure this space continues to thrive for years to come.”

The fully refrigerated rink at 107 Main Street is a year-round spot for folks who want to roll, play or skate.

Activate Penticton was run by volunteers and it put in years of effort to get the rink opened. The non-profit had to raise around $20,000 a year and get volunteers to keep the rink operating.

There were some issues with the rink including with hockey players not taking other skaters into account, although those problems were ultimately solved with a new schedule. 

The city is going to put out a schedule for winter skating closer to the date when skating opportunities begin.