Above / May Watts Sled Hill is ready to go for the 2019-2020 winter season, complete with rules at the top. Rules apply at all designated sled hills throughout the Naperville Park District.
It’s been tradition that the Naperville Park District’s sled hills as well as ice rinks are prepared in advance for the season beginning Dec. 15. Of course, consistently below-freezing temperatures are a factor; plus, snow must be at least two inches deep with no visible grass for sledding to begin.
A visit to the May Watts Sled Hill, located at 804 S. Whispering Hills Drive, indicates the popular outdoor sports venue is prepared for the season, ready for the first snow deep enough for play; but for now, it simply posts rules and regulations on a large sign within a brisk walk from the May Watts Trail.
Rules remain the same in 2019-2020…Safety first!
Joyful sounds soon will fill the chilly air at Rotary Hill where sledding becomes the name of the game after a snowfall. The popular sled hill typically experiences plenty of activity by day and evening when new snow creates fine conditions.
Designated sled hills & ice skating rinks
Though we’re in no hurry to rush the cold white stuff, the winter solstice 2019 in the Northern Hemisphere will be at 10:19PM on Sat., Dec. 21, the shortest day of the year. When accumulations of snow fall, all ages will find fine sledding along the Naperville Riverwalk, within ear shot of the 72-bell Millennium Carillon inside the Moser Tower where seasonal tunes likely will add to the winter experience, especially during the holidays. The bright orange snow fencing is now in place at Rotary Hill as well as other sled hills throughout the city.
The Rotary Sled Hill along the Riverwalk officially will be opened daily from Dec. 15-Feb. 28, weather permitting. The Hill opens at daylight and closes at 9PM except on Fridays and Saturdays, when it remains open until 10PM.
In order for all sledders to be safe, a number of rules apply that will be posted at the top of the Rotary Hill.
First of all, sledders must provide their own inner tubes or plastic sleds. Alert! Wooden sleds, toboggans, snowboards and metal-runner sleds are not permitted.
Note also that when the sled hill is open, the Riverwalk Cafe may have seasonal hours.
Sledding Rules and Regulations
According the park district’s web site, sled hills throughout Naperville will open when the ground is frozen and covered by two or more inches of snow with no visible grass. Sledders assume full risk and responsibility for determining that all conditions are safe for sledding. Parent/adults are responsible for supervising their children 8 years of age and younger.
When sledding, remember to pay attention:
- Keep your sled under control.
2. Avoid other sledders and objects.Keep your sled under control.
3. Move quickly out of the path of other sledders.
4. Climb uphill along the side of the slope.
5. Children ages 8 and younger must be supervised by an adult.
6. Only inner tubes and plastic sleds are allowed. Toboggans and sleds with metal runners are not permitted.
7. No more than two persons are permitted on a sled at one time.
8. Snowboards are not allowed on sled hills.
9. Violation of posted rules may result in suspension from the sled hill and/or a fine.
10. Kindness and common courtesy always are appreciated, too.
Sled Hills in Neighborhood Parks Close at Dusk
Arrowhead Park, 711 Iroquois Ave.
Brooks Crossings, 1015 95th St.
Country Lakes Park, 1835 North Aurora Rd.
Gartner Park, 524 W Gartner Rd.
May Watts Park, 804 S. Whispering Hills Dr.
Skating by Day and by Night / Dec. 15-Feb. 15
The Naperville Park District also maintains skating rinks at five locations, when weather permits. Posted signs state when skating is allowed at three of the ice rinks that are lighted at night and open until 10PM daily. The signs also state the rules and regulations for every ice rink.
For instance, playing hockey and broomball is allowed only at the two boarded rinks at Centennial Park. A third rink at Centennial Park (see below) is for free skating only. The Naperville Park District reminds users that from now on, “no pucks or sticks are allowed on free-skating areas.”
Centennial Park, 500 W. Jackson Ave. (Near Centennial Beach across the bridge from the Moser Tower)
Nike Sports Complex, 288 W. Diehl Rd.
Commissioners Park, 3704 111th St.
Rinks located in Gartner Park at 524 Gartner Road and Meadow Glens at 1303 Muirhead Avenue close at dusk.
Enjoy a safe and happy winter outdoors!
RELATED POST: Informative and Detailed Post about Ice Safety
Post updated and reposted on Dec. 13, 2019
