Sledding banned in Washington, Nebraska parks.

Liability and maintenance issues have prompted the park and recreation departments of Lincoln, Neb., and Spokane, Wash., to ban or restrict sledding in certain parks.

According to the Spokesman Review, the Spokane Park Board has banned sledding and cross-country skiing from its golf courses. Park representatives say that sledding and skiing damages grass for spring golfing, deterring the golfers whose fees solely maintain the courses.

But angry golfers don't paint the full picture. Nearby Spokane Valley makes it clear to sledders through signs posted that read: "Sled at your own risk." Signs with that statement appear in areas that the department's insurance carrier believes are risky and have even closed areas where collisions are considered to be "very likely."

Liability is the primary concern of the Lincoln Parks and Recreation department. A state court ruling created the Recreation Liability Act, which determined that government entities can be held liable for injuries or damages incurred in public recreation areas. The law has resulted in the closure of several skateparks in the state because of insurance issues, but it has made the town take a closer look at activities like sledding.

The only public sledding area in Lincoln--in Hastings' Brickyard Park--is covered by the city's insurance policy. But new safety rules have been posted. Other cities in Nebraska, such as Gering, have banned sledding altogether.

Other Nebraska communities are taking a slightly different approach. The Fremont Tribune reported that the cities of Kearny and Grand Island intend to maintain their facilities so well that they couldn't be held negligent in accident situations.

Park officials don't think sledders will be easily kept from enjoying the snow. Spokane expects a backlash at the golf courses and is considering hiring security staff to keep winter wanderers away.