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Centennial outdoor rink (File photo/Vernon Matters)
By Pete McIntyre

Opening of outdoor rink on ice until colder weather resumes

Dec 1, 2021 | 2:24 PM

A popular recreation facility in Vernon is ready to reopen once the weather returns to more normal conditions.

The Centennial Outdoor Rink traditionally opens on Dec. 1, but because of the unseasonably warm fall weather (17.2 degrees on Dec. 1), the opening date will be delayed.

The city said its Recreation Services staff have been preparing the rink for a reopening.The update comes a year after the rink in the Recreation Centre complex had to be closed for repairs due to severe deterioration of the chiller system.

A $695,000 grant from the BC Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) allowed two new chillers to be bought and installed for the Centennial Rink and Priest Valley Arena, along with three new energy efficient compressors.

“Not only do the new chillers and compressors allow for us to reopen the Centennial Rink, but they will also improve the safety of the facility and provide significant energy savings for the city,” said Doug Ross, director of Recreation Services.

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Once the rink can be opened, it will provide opportunities for free public skating and shinny for citizens of all ages, and allow them to spend time being active outside with family and friends.

“While the outdoor rink is a refrigerated system, its operation is still very much weather dependent,” said Dustin Pridham, manager of Recreation Operations. “The new chiller takes care of refrigerating the bottom of the ice surface, but Mother Nature takes care of the top of the ice.”

To learn more about skating in Greater Vernon and to see the updated schedule for the Centennial Outdoor Rink, visit www.gvrec.ca.

by Pete McIntyre
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