Stuart Park rink closed by sudden thaw

As the weather warmed and the arctic chill thawed Monday in Kelowna, so did the City’s plans to keep the Stuart Park ice rink open.

After announcing an extension for the rink to stay open several more days, the heat from the sun became too intense mid-day, melting the ice surface to the concrete in several spots.

The City’s original plan to close the rink today has become a reality.

“We wanted to keep the rink open as long as we could,” said Martin Johansen, Kelowna Building Services Manager, in an updated press release Monday afternoon.

Crews will begin removing the ice Monday afternoon.

Stuart Park’s outdoor ice rink opened to the public December 28th, 2010, attracting thousands of visitors to the location across from City Hall.