Metroparks makes safety changes to State Rd. sledding hill

by Chris Studor

Cleveland Metroparks has made several improvements to the sledding hill on State Road in Hinckley following two tragic accidents that occurred at the hill last winter.

Last February, a young woman died from injuries she sustained when her sled veered off the hill and into a wooded area where she struck a branch from a tree. Her father later died from a heart attack as he waited in the hospital.

The following day, another teen was partially paralyzed in an accident on the same hill. The weather that weekend created icy conditions.

According to Hinckley Reservation Manager Ken Stray, a lower, flat starting area has been created, dirt berms have been built up along the edges of the hill and trees have been cleared 20-25 feet beyond the dirt berms.

Stray gave some advice on sledding equipment and sledding safety.

“It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as to how to ride any type of sled, a traditional or an inflatable,” said Stray. “Sometimes people bring inflatable’s they use in swimming pools which may not be designed for sledding and they can be unsafe. In general, when sledding people should go down the hill feet first not head first since that can create an improper body balance on the sled.  “Always follow the sled manufacturer’s instructions as to how to safely ride your sled,” Stray said.