5 Safety Signage - Power Hill Park Sledding Hill
J:
MEMORANDUM
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
TO:
Park and Recreation Commission
11
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
FROM:
Todd Hoffman, Park & Recreation Director
DA TE:
January 17,2006
Administration
Phone 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
SUBJ:
Implementation of Safety Signage - Power Hill Park
Sledding Hill
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax 952.227.1190
Finance
Phone 952.227.1140
Fax 952.227.1110
The Power Hill Park sledding hill is a popular destination over the winter
months. Featuring an expansive sledding hill with a 50-foot drop in the span of
300 feet, the name "Power Hill" is appropriate. On a pleasant weekend or
holiday, dozens of vehicles pack the small parking lot located near the hill and
50 to 100 sledders can be witnessed enjoying the hill. Recent publicity about a
young girl seriously injured in a sledding accident and a family visit to the hill
on Sunday, January 9, prompted me to investigate the risks associated with
sledding.
Engineering
Phone 952.227.1160
Fax 952.227.1170
Park & Recreation
Phone 952.227.1120
Fax 952.227.1110
A short query of the Internet produced dozens of documents describing
sledding-related accidents. Most incidents are attributed to collisions with fixed
objects and collisions with people standing or walking on the hill. Icy
conditions increase the risks associated with sledding. Poorly maintained or
broken equipment and sledding in a head first or backwards position also
increase the likelihood of injuries.
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
In an effort to educate the public about the risks associated with sledding, staff is
recommending that the following signage be posted at the hill:
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone 952.227.1300
Fax 952.227.1310
Power Hill Park Sledding Hill
Senior Center
Phone 952.227.1125
Fax 952.227.1110
Sledding is a hazardous activity and presents substantial risks.
Sled only during daylight hours.
Return to top of hill along outside edges of sledding area.
Building ramps and jumps is prohibited.
Icy conditions increase the risks associated with sledding.
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
RECOMMENDA TION
It is recommended that the Park and Recreation Commission approve the
proposed Power Hill Park Sledding Hill signage and direct staff to order and
post an appropriate number of the signs at the park.
The City of Chanhassen · A growing community with clean lakes, quality schools, a charming downtown, thriving businesses, winding trails, and beautiful parks. A great place to live, work, and play.