As the always-articulate and timeless, cinematic badass Mr. Samuel L. put it in Coach Carter, “let me hit with you some KNOWLEDGE.”

After being closed for 9 years due to maintenance issues, the Robson Square outdoor ice rink (re-christened the “GE Ice Plaza”) has finally re-opened. Don’t even try beginning to tell me how excited you are. I feel your giddiness from HERE, arite?!

A week prior to its grand re-opening, I popped by and snapped a few shots of the final touches being put on the rink. It looks beautiful. It’s a large, domed, open outdoor arena that features snowflake- and star-shaped spotlights on the rink at night. You can’t help but love our city more, being able to access a venue like this.

Finally, something new to take the out-o’-towners, the tots, the fam, the significant other, the gaggle of girlfriends, just, pretty much anyone to (not to sound ungrateful for what’s in our city already.) It’s a great date destination and a definite crowd pleaser. Gather the family and don’t forget your mittens, because from now until the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics, it’s free if you’ve got your own skates! And if you need to rent, it’s only $3. Whatta steal!

All the females out there, can’t deny, whether you’re single or coupled, we have all donned the dream of holding a significant other’s hand while ice skating, apples of our cheeks swept with rouge, under the evening scape of a downtown backdrop, just like in all those girly movies…

Now’s the time! It’s open daily from 9a.m. to 9p.m. And, again, free if you’ve got your own skates, $3 to rent. What are you waiting for?