RinkWatch

RinkWatch is a study conducted by geographers at Wilfred Laurier University. Through public participation, they are gathering data on the use of outdoor skating rinks over time as a measure of changes in our climate.

In any given year we have many ice rinks at Lac Le Jeune. Some are on the lake, and others are in back yards. At Logan Lake we have enjoyed many seasons of outdoor oval speed skating practices and competitions organized by River City Racers Speed Skating club, as well as the annual Pond Hockey Tournament (next weekend!).

I think we have all noticed some changes, especially in the length of our skating season. For example, the Logan Lake LOop speed skating event has been cancelled two years in a row because of iffy conditions in preparing the rink in December.

Are you willing to become a RinkWatcher and help with this research?

1. Go to the RinkWatch website: http://www.rinkwatch.org/
2. Create an account
3. Add the rink to the map

Then it's just a matter of recording information in a calendar about whether or not you could skate each day. You can also upload photos. It doesn't have to be YOUR rink. Feel free to add your neighbour's rink to the map.

What a save!

Stick action

Logan Lake - Owen's Oval

References:
http://www.rinkwatch.org/


Damyanov, N. N., Matthews, H. D., & Mysak, L. A. (2012). Observed decreases in the Canadian outdoor skating season due to recent winter warming. Environmental Research Letters, 7(014028). doi:doi:10.1088/1748-9326/7/1/014028