Roller skating in Stuart Park

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Matt Ferguson Photography

For the last eight weeks, a roller skating disco night set up in Kelowna has been growing in popularity.

Valley Roller Skate originally began a few years ago as roller skating started to gain in popularity throughout the region as a way for skaters to connect and learn from one another. Now, they’ve expanded and have been making good use of Stuart Park’s flat surface for Tuesday disco nights.

Each week, between 150 to 250 people have turned up to enjoy a Tuesday evening skate since July 12, along with skate rentals and a DJ.

One of the organizers, Colleen Milligan, said they’ve partnered with the City of Kelowna this season as a trial run but plan to be back outdoors next season as well.

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“It’s really popular, it’s been great,” she said. “Of course, we’re right across from city hall so they saw us practice over there and one day we made a connection at the city that helps organize the recreation and events and they talked to us and asked us if we’d be interested in helping organize.”

Last year, the rollers held pop-up roller nights that were popular but the turnout has been something else this season.

The city also held roller nights prior to the pandemic so it was an opportunity to combine the two resources and add some rentals and a DJ, Milligan said.

“Everyone seemed to be having a really good time,” she said. The rentals were a huge aspect that also contributed to the roller nights' success. With more than 100 pairs of skates, they sell out, she said, adding there’s been a mix of skaters and also inline roller skates now.

The last official night wrapped up Aug. 30 but the rollers will be skating every Tuesday night until the ice is put in at the park. DJs will still be making fairly regular appearances during that time and a Halloween skate is being planned for Oct. 25 with best costume prizes, she said.

Milligan, along with six other organizers from Valley Roller Skate and Arcade, which provides the DJs, have been in contact with the city since.

“I wasn’t too surprised to see it grow to that extent because there’s been a lot of interest in skating over the years and people just need an opportunity to come out and enjoy it,” she said. “Based on the popularity, I think we could easily sustain a longer period out there.”

Roller skating in Stuart Park

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Colleen Milligan

Milligan said roller nights will return next July and will run until Halloween. Lessons are being planned for beginners, roller dance, and at the skatepark. Those interested can register online.

Mariko Siggers, community and neighbourhood services manager, said this is the first time the city has helped organize stand-alone roller skating nights.

"Overall the collaboration was really positive and really well received by the community," she said. "I think it just got bigger and better every week."

Although the city hasn't started planning their summer outdoor events for next year, she hopes to see it return.

The rentals were provided by Penticton Roller Skate.

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