Sledding hill to be improved at Sylvan Prairie Park

Sept. 27--Children, dust off your sleds. Olander Park System plans on smoothing out the hill for better sledding in Sylvan Prairie Park.

For more than a year, park system officials have pondered turning the local sledding spot at the park at 8601 Brint Rd., near Centennial Road in Sylvania Township, into an official outdoor recreation park.

Parks Director Erika Buri said the plans entail grading the hill, which has a height range of 60 to 90 feet, and planting grass or vegetation on it.

Olander Park commissioners this week approved the use of $20,000 to prep the hill for use this winter. Ms. Buri said she "hopes" it will be ready in time for Ohio's snowfall season. The park may host stargazing activities on the hill.

Last year, the park system fenced off areas of the hill that were unsafe and cleared obstructive rocks and trees from the sledding path. The park system's liability insurance covers injuries happening at any of the park's five properties, Ms. Buri said.

Prior plans, now tabled, called for a day-and-night sledding park with three hills for different sledding levels, including a small hill for children. The original grand scheme, presented by former director Gary Madrzykowski, had snow-making machines, night lights, a skating rink, and a stargazing shelter. However, the estimated cost was at least $200,000 and commissioners wanted parks funds to balance new new projects with maintaining current facilities.

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