About RinkWatch
Citizen science meets winter sports – tracking climate change one rink at a time
What is RinkWatch?
RinkWatch is a groundbreaking citizen science research initiative that brings together outdoor skating enthusiasts and environmental scientists to monitor winter weather conditions and study the long-term impacts of climate change.
Launched by researchers at Wilfrid Laurier University in January 2013, our community has grown to include participants from across North America who have submitted invaluable data on more than 1,800 outdoor rinks and ponds.
Beyond contributing to vital environmental research, RinkWatch has evolved into a vibrant online community for people passionate about creating and maintaining backyard and community rinks.
Meet the Team
Current RinkWatch Team Members
Dr. Robert McLeman
Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, where he studies how environmental change affects communities and households.
Royce Kim
Second year student at Laurier completing a Bachelor of Business Administration with minors in Economics & Computer Science.
RinkWatch Team Alumni
Co-founders
- Dr. Colin Robertson
- Haydn Lawrence
Research Assistants
- Hannah Balkissoon
- Will Bender
- Kelsey Campbell
- Rashari Henry
- Leanne Hirabayashi
- Daniel Moll
- Cameron Plouffe
- Laura Sente
- Martha Wysocka
Contact Us
Connect With Us
🏛️ Our Location
RinkWatch
Department of Geography & Environmental Studies
Wilfrid Laurier University
75 University Avenue West
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3C5
