Singing and sledding: the dual-use dilemma: using amphitheaters as sledding hills in the winter time could pose liability problems.

Have you ever built a dual-purpose park amenity, with a sledding hill for winter use and an amphitheater for summer use? That was a recent question posted from Grove City, Ohio, on NRPA's forum, eCommunities. For information on how to join the discussion, become a member by clicking on "Join Now" on the right-hand side of NRPA's Web site, www.nrpa.org. Here are some of the responses from members sharing their innovative techniques:

"Yes, we have one. We sled down the other side of the hill away from the amphitheater--pretty dangerous to sled into the theater. Also, our theater has a big hillside. I would recommend putting in some benches toward the bottom for older people who do not like to sit on the hill and for wheelchair accommodations. Sitting on the hill is not everyone's idea of fun, therefore, this limits the potential of bigger concerts and weddings. It is great, though, for showing movies and rock concerts. Also, watch your position to the sun. The sun beating into the amphitheater will sweat out your performers and blind them, as well as vice versa for the audience." --Appleton, Wis.

"We do have a small sledding hill at one of our parks, Pearson. It was created on the table-top face of northwest Ohio when a nearby pond was dredged --probably in the 1980s."

--Toledo, Ohio

"Five Rivers Metro Parks has a sledding hill in their Englewood Park. I don't know if they use it as an amphitheater also. They built a sledding hill and had to shut it down this winter after its first real season of use. Too many people showed up to sled and children were going off the marked sledding slope and getting hurt. I'm sure they could give you a lesson in what they learned--pros and cons."

--Cincinnati, Ohio

"I grew up in the Chicago area. Every time I go home to visit my family, I manage to drive by a sledding hill in Mt. Prospect. I think it is the River Trails Park District. They have a GREAT hill. I keep thinking about stopping and measuring it myself."

--Chicago, Ill.

"We have one that you might want to see. In the 1970s they dug a pond and used the dirt to build the hill. It was done before the community center was built. We use it for both, but it is more hill than theater. We have several hundred folks who sit on it for July Fourth, and we do have a small stage in front of it. Grass seed was tossed on it and it is the same as the park."

--Hilliard, Ohio

"We have several sledding hills. We did not build them, we just used an existing hill so I can't tell you the slope. We use a variety of seed mixtures but purposely avoid turf-type grass seed. We do not mow the hills all summer so that birds and animals can live in the tall grass (part of our "grow, no mow" program). We cut the hills several times in the fall before snowfall. In the winter we occasionally "groom" the hill to eliminate moguls. We use a york rake and tractor. We also provide wood and a barrel for warming, and benches. Be aware of liability issues. At one time, we posted the hills with signs indicating whether or not the hill was 'open.' We would close the hills if there was a lack of snow or it was too icy. Our attorneys told us that made us liable, so we took the signs down. Be aware that the more knowledge and information you spread to others, the more they will grow and profit."

--Cleveland, Ohio