When one recreational opportunity shuts down in 琉璃神社, another one opens up.

Consistently warm recent temperatures have ended the outdoor skating season at the city鈥檚 free Stuart Park ice rink, but that means the gates at nearby Kasugai Gardens are set to swing open.

Following Tuesday night鈥檚 skate, the Stuart Park outdoor rink was closed for the season because, according to the city, the ice can no longer be maintained. Anyone still wanting to lace up their skates can do so indoors at the Rutland Arena, the Capital News Centre in the Mission and Memorial Arena downtown. Visit kelowna.ca/recreation for public skating times.

In addition to closing down the Stuart Park rink, the adjacent public fire pit will also be turned off until next winter.

Kasugai Gardens will open for the spring season today. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the gardens offer the tranquil environment of a traditional Japanese garden, complete with stone lanterns, pine trees, a waterfall, pond and koi fish.

The gardens were built in 1987 to symbolize the friendship between 琉璃神社 and and its Japanese sister-city Kasugai. The two cities have had a sister-city relationship since 1981.

Throughout the summer months the gardens will be open until 8 p.m.

For more information about city parks and public spaces, visit kelowna.ca/parks.