After months of anticipation, Kamloops residents will soon be able to lace up their skates outdoors as the City prepares to open the new Riverside Park outdoor skating facility this week.
The rink officially opens to the public on Wednesday, January 7, at 10 a.m., and will operate daily for the remainder of the winter season, weather permitting.
City of Kamloops Parks and Streets Manager Jeff Putnam said the facility offers a unique skating experience in the heart of the city.
“What the public can expect is a 200-metre-long by five-metre-wide skating loop that winds through beautiful, mature trees,” Putnam said in an interview. “There’s also a larger practice skating area attached to the loop, string lighting overhead, and music playing. It’s going to be a wonderful winter ambiance for Riverside Park.”
The refrigerated outdoor rink is designed strictly for leisure skating and is not intended for hockey use, a point Putnam emphasized for safety reasons. Admission is free, and the rink will be available for unsupervised drop-in skating throughout the winter.
While full concession and retail services will not be available immediately, the City is working with Tourism Kamloops on future amenities. In the meantime, Putnam encouraged residents to dust off their skates and come enjoy the new space.
“We expect a lot of people already have skates at home that maybe haven’t been used in a few years,” he said.
Ice quality will be maintained by a dedicated Zamboni, with resurfacing planned up to three times per day, along with regular checks for debris.
“This is a facility we’ve never operated outdoors before, so there will be a bit of a learning process,” Putnam said. “But we have professional ice technicians and park staff, and I’m very confident it’s going to be an incredible experience for everyone.”
The skating season is expected to run into March, depending on weather conditions. The ice system operates best when temperatures remain below 8 C, with a typical outdoor season lasting about four months.
To mark the opening, the City will host a community celebration on Saturday, January 17, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Riverside Park. The event will feature food trucks, special guests, skate rentals, and family-friendly activities.
Photo courtesy of City of Kamloops
Funded through a $7.16 million Growing Communities Fund grant, the facility includes accessible, barrier-free design features, ambient lighting, firepits, seating areas, and rubberized walkways. Outside the winter season, the concrete surface will be used as a walking path and for other recreational purposes.
For hockey enthusiasts, the City notes that the mini rink at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre remains available for skill development and age-appropriate play.
