2014 marks my fifth year of writing for the Toledo City Paper. During that time, I have had experiences that have been my favorites, some that have changed me and expanded my view of life in Toledo. Many have just been over-the-top fun. All of these adventures have allowed me (and hopefully you) to follow new paths. So throughout this year, I will be highlighting and sharing additional information about these activities in a section of the Field Guide entitled Fifth Anniversary Favorites, as well as forging ahead with new experiences for everyone to enjoy. As my favorite quote (right) implies, it’s a new year, so please see Toledo with new eyes, and vow to discover something new —make your life in the Glass City adventuresome.
Fifth Anniversary Favorites: Ski/Skate/Sled
Pearson Metropark has the best night time sledding incline/hill for an out-in–the-woods kind of feel. The park also boasts my favorite ice skating pond, day or night; it is a very beautiful natural setting with tree lined banks and blue skies or stars over head. The ice is real and the snow cover gives your blades a bit more grip for steadiness. The area is ample so you can slowly glide around, skate full throttle or form a whip chain with friends. It is also very popular for ice hockey (goal cages available). The fire pit area is sheltered so bring hot chocolate and cozy up.
Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-5pm.Entrance at Lallendorf Rd. off Navarre Ave. metroparkstoledo.com
Side Cut Metropark’s Wagener Hill is a one-sided sledding incline thats not too steep; a favorite with children and parents for its gradual descent. Use a saucer to spin down the hill at a slower speed or a flat sled to fly over the mogul set off to one side. This is the best racing hill as the incline’s width allows several sleds to line up across the top.
Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-5pm. 1025 W. River Rd, Maumee. metroparkstoledo.com
Maumee Bay State Park offers a three-sided sledding hill (this is a traditional hill not an incline) for pulse-quickening speed. I call it the thrill hill. Use a flat sled for best results. The back side offers a challenging descent for snowboarders with natural bumps available to gain some air if you can keep yourself upright. It is worth the gradual hike up the hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Erie and the surrounding landscape. The park is also the best place for those who like wide-open areas with some gentle slopes (over the golf course) for cross country skiing and snowshoeing (more nature, less people) There are many flatter terrains for beginners too. The lodge rents adult and children’s ski equipment by the hour for a nominal fee.
2014 marks my fifth year of writing for the Toledo City Paper. During that time, I have had experiences that have been my favorites, some that have changed me and expanded my view of life in Toledo. Many have just been over-the-top fun. All of these adventures have allowed me (and hopefully you) to follow new paths. So throughout this year, I will be highlighting and sharing additional information about these activities in a section of the Field Guide entitled Fifth Anniversary Favorites, as well as forging ahead with new experiences for everyone to enjoy. As my favorite quote (right) implies, it’s a new year, so please see Toledo with new eyes, and vow to discover something new —make your life in the Glass City adventuresome.
Fifth Anniversary Favorites: Ski/Skate/Sled
Pearson Metropark has the best night time sledding incline/hill for an out-in–the-woods kind of feel. The park also boasts my favorite ice skating pond, day or night; it is a very beautiful natural setting with tree lined banks and blue skies or stars over head. The ice is real and the snow cover gives your blades a bit more grip for steadiness. The area is ample so you can slowly glide around, skate full throttle or form a whip chain with friends. It is also very popular for ice hockey (goal cages available). The fire pit area is sheltered so bring hot chocolate and cozy up.
Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-5pm.Entrance at Lallendorf Rd. off Navarre Ave. metroparkstoledo.com
Side Cut Metropark’s Wagener Hill is a one-sided sledding incline thats not too steep; a favorite with children and parents for its gradual descent. Use a saucer to spin down the hill at a slower speed or a flat sled to fly over the mogul set off to one side. This is the best racing hill as the incline’s width allows several sleds to line up across the top.
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Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 7am-5pm. 1025 W. River Rd, Maumee. metroparkstoledo.com
Maumee Bay State Park offers a three-sided sledding hill (this is a traditional hill not an incline) for pulse-quickening speed. I call it the thrill hill. Use a flat sled for best results. The back side offers a challenging descent for snowboarders with natural bumps available to gain some air if you can keep yourself upright. It is worth the gradual hike up the hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Erie and the surrounding landscape. The park is also the best place for those who like wide-open areas with some gentle slopes (over the golf course) for cross country skiing and snowshoeing (more nature, less people) There are many flatter terrains for beginners too. The lodge rents adult and children’s ski equipment by the hour for a nominal fee.
saucer to spin down the hill at a slower speed or a flat sled to fly over the mogul set off to one side. This is the best racing hill as the incline’s width allows several sleds to line up across the top.
