Check out Kelowna's outdoor rink as it opens for the season

A downtown recreation staple is back to full speed for the season: the outdoor skating rink at Stuart Park.

Sarah Nick from 104.7 The Lizard, who has many years of skating under her belt, strapped on some rentals.

Part of the experience at the ever-popular venue is a quick chat with Kevin Laflamme.

Laflamme has owned and operated Bladez Skate Rental for past six years, and told Sarah the joy it brings him.

“To me it's like being at Disneyland,” he said. “Parents bring their kids down, learn to skate for the first time.”

He said it’s been a treat to see the same skaters come year after year, and explained how for younger kids in particular renting makes sense over buying.

“I’ve watched several families’ kids grow, learn to skate for the first time, and every year the sizes go up. Rather than purchase skates they find it a lot cheaper just to rent.”

The rink is now open for casual, drop-in use from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily through late February, except on Mondays, when it is closed from 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. for maintenance.

Make sure to check ice conditions, maintenance schedules and crowd levels using the live cam before heading down to the rink.

Skate rental hours are 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. daily (weather permitting), with the exception of December 25, when the rental shop will be closed. Skate rentals are cash only.

TNT Food Truck will be on-site during peak hours offering food for purchase.