Outdoor rink ready to open with new booking system
Kelowna’s popular outdoor ice rink at Stuart Park will open on Monday, Jan. 11 with enhanced safety measures and a new pre-booking system in place at kelowna.ca/stuartpark.
“In consultation with public health officials around outdoor public skating at Stuart Park, we have the go-ahead to operate at a restricted level until further notice, which means skaters will need to pre-book their skating time before heading down to the rink,” said Doug Nicholas, Sport & Event Services Manager.
Along with the pre-booking system which allows for a 60-minute window of skate time, additional safety measures will be in place at the Stuart Park including:
- The rink will be staffed to ensure access is by pre-booking only (no drop ins)
- There will be a maximum capacity of 40 skaters on the rink at any given time
- Fencing will be set up around the rink along with designated entrance and exit points
- Seating to put on skates will be distanced with one family or skater per bench
- Rink maintenance and cleaning will occur daily and as required between booking times
- Food and rental services will not be available at this time
- Wearing masks or face coverings are recommended
The rink typically opens on December 1 each year but was delayed as more information and guidance from health authorities was needed around public skating to ensure the rink could operate safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic and associated health orders.
Skate and equipment rentals will not be available at this time. In addition to skates, anyone heading down to the rink is encouraged to bring safety gear such as helmets, hand sanitizer and masks.
“Providing safe, active opportunities is important right now and we’re pleased to be able to open the rink, even within this restricted capacity,” says Doug Nicholas, Sport & Event Services Manager. “Though it is an outdoor venue and not mandated by the current Provincial order, we still recommend wearing a mask or face covering as an added level of safety. It’s important to remember when heading down to the rink to respect other skaters and maintain plenty of space both on and off the rink.”
The Stuart Park outdoor rink will officially open at Monday, January 11th at 11 a.m., weather permitting with online bookings open for sign up now. The rink will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., subject to conditions and additional direction from the Provincial Health Officer related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indoor skating is also available by pre-booking for public skate times at Capital News Centre, Memorial Arena and Rutland Arena.
To pre-book a skate time at Stuart Park rink, visit kelowna.ca/stuartpark.