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The public has been begging for it and it could now be a reality.
Downtown Penticton could be getting an outdoor rink and if all goes to plan, it’ll be ready to use by Christmas time this year.
The detailed plans call for the rink to be built in the currently under-utilized parking lot south of the Gyro Band shell.
It’s a central location that will add vibrancy to Penticton’s downtown core and it’s already fully serviced by water, sewer, electrical and washrooms.
The rink would be 40 by 14 metres and fully refrigerated so it could operate in temperatures up to 10°C.
There would be heated washrooms, a spectating area where people can eat, a spot for food trucks to provide said grub and, of course, the rink would be properly lit for night time skating.
While the rink would ideally be open for three months, December, January and February, it would not just be used in the winter.
Much like Kelowna’s outdoor rink in Stuart Park, Penticton’s rink would be used for various things during warmer months.
Examples include group activities like yoga, youth camps, roller derby, night markets, a food truck court, bike valet for the farmers market and plenty of other small events.
When it comes to parking, the project has identified nearby spots at 107 Main St. and 99 Lakeshore Dr. that are currently very underutilized.
The project is being spearheaded by Graham and Sue Fraser, owners of the Penticton Vees, who have already built outdoor rinks in Barrie, Ont., Grimsby, Ont. and Lake Placid, NY.
“They look forward to leading the community in the building of an outdoor rink here in Penticton,” said a post on the Vees Facebook page.
There’s a website devoted to the rink, which is looking for 5,000 signatures to show City Council that the project has legs and support.
Click this link to learn more details about Penticton’s possible outdoor rink and throw your support behind the project.
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