Penticton city council has approved plans to remove boards at the downtown outdoor rink as part of efforts to improve accessibility, reduce maintenance challenges and better support a wider range of community uses.
At its meeting Tuesday, council directed staff to remove the existing acrylic boards and install a low-profile transition strip around the rink surface. The work is intended to improve accessibility and create a safer, more flexible space that can support a broader range of activities year-round.
The decision follows a season that saw strong public use of the rink for family skating, shinny hockey, programs and events, alongside ongoing maintenance issues.
City staff reported repeated cracking and repairs to the boards, raising concerns about their durability and long-term functionality, as well as how the space can best accommodate different types of use.
“This is a well-used space that people clearly value,” said Kelsey Johnson, the city’s general manager of community services. “By removing the boards, we have an opportunity to create a more open, inclusive space that better supports a variety of activities and improves the overall experience for residents.”
Council has also directed staff to develop a plan for the future use of the rink area as part of 2027 budget discussions.
This work will include consultation with the city’s accessibility and parks and recreation committees, with a focus on enhancing how the space can be used throughout the year. The goal is to ensure the area is safer, more adaptable and accessible, while supporting a broader mix of activities and community needs.
During the past season, the city received a small number of formal complaints, primarily related to scheduling and after-hours use. Informal feedback also pointed to a need to better balance different activities at the site.
Work to remove the boards is expected to begin this fall, ahead of the winter skating season.