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It's no time to skate around the rules, so the City of Kelowna worked with public health officials and found a way. Today, the iconic Jim Stuart Park Ice Rink was opened to the public.
There are no skate rentals and no rink side fires burning, but the Stuart Park Rink has finally sprung to life again and for fans of the downtown skating facility it doesn't come a day too soon.
The opening comes after weeks of discussions with health officials about how it can be done safely.
"You'll see fencing around here, you'll see a pre-booking system now in place," said Sport and Events Services Manager Doug Nicholas.
"We have staff on-site to monitor the entry and exit to make sure rules are being followed here."
The skaters lucky enough to be among the first were thrilled to be there. "There's just something about skating outside, said one woman. "It's magical."
"This rink", said another Kelowna resident, "is one of the best things the City of Kelowna ever did downtown. It's created so much vibrancy downtown in the winter."
Nicholas agrees. "It's pretty special for people to be able to come down, get outside get in some activity, have a skate," he said.
"Particularly this year when we've been limited in what we can do. So to finally be able to open it is pretty special."
The rink is limited to 40 skaters at a time. To book an hour of skating people are encouraged to go to the City of Kelowna's website. There you can book an hour three days ahead of time.
Available time slots are between 11 am and 9 pm. Drop-ins are not permitted.
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