to experience a noticeable decline in North America in the early part of the 21st century. One of the correlated factors involved has been attributed to climate change. One of the consequences involved includes reducing access to outdoor facilities needed by youth who require opportunities to participate in ice-based sports at length and with low-cost, a problematic development considering winter sports become increasingly expensive over time resulting in economic exclusion. RinkWatch RinkWatch is a citizen science program in Canada run by researchers at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Beginning in 2013 the program started collecting data on outdoor rinks and frozen ponds across North America. The objective is to better understand how climate change may be impacting the outdoor skating season. Tracks and trails Elfstedentocht, the world's biggest ice-skating tour involving tour skating and speed skating, has been declared to be in danger of "extinction" due to climate change. The last Elfstedentocht was held in 1997. See also Bandy field Figure skating rink Ice hockey rink Speed skating rink Curling sheet Synthetic ice List of ice hockey arenas by capacity References External links The Ice Rink – A Brief History RinkWatch is a citizen science research initiative that asks people to help environmental scientists monitor winter weather conditions and study the long-term impacts of climate change. Comprehensive list of ice skating rinks in the U.S. and Canada Backyard Ice Rink Builder Community Playing field surfaces Sports venues Figure skating Bandy Ice hockey Sledge hockey Ringette Speed skating Broomball Sports rules and regulations