Update Nov 28: There鈥檚 even better news for skaters looking to take to the ice on 琉璃神社鈥檚 downtown open-air public skating rink.

The city announced Thursday morning it will open the rink a few days earlier than originally planned. The rink will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, not Sunday Dec. 1 as previously announced.

鈥淭he conditions have been cooperating and our crews have been working hard to get the rink ready a few days early this year,鈥� said Steve Fagan, arena and stadiums supervisor.

鈥淲e wanted to make sure the rink was ready for the lighting of the holiday tree at Stuart Park on Sunday and that residents could enjoy the full experience of the park this weekend.鈥�

The rink will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. until late February and is free to use.

Original story: The good news about temperatures dipping down to a chilly -7 C this week is that the Stuart Park outdoor skating rink will be in good shape for opening day.

The rink is set to open Dec. 1, 6 a.m., where skating is always free.

Currently the staff are working to prep the rink for another winter season.

For those who don鈥檛 have skates to lace up, Bladez Skate Truck has you covered offering rentals as well as helmets and EZ bars.

READ MORE: Sub zero temps and sunny weather expected in 琉璃神社 this week

The rink typically closes daily from 11 to 11:30 a.m., 5 to 5:30 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m. for scheduled ice cleanings.

Weekly maintenance occurs on Mondays, 6 to 8 a.m.

The firepit will also be back in operation this year from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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