Sliding in Sudbury: city changes its mind on no-sledding rule

A popular sliding hill in Sudbury'swest end will still be off limits, but the City of Greater Sudbury now says toboganning will be allowed in other park areas.

A move by the cityto fence-off a popular but unofficial sliding hill atQueen's AthleticFieldand post no-sliding signs at other hills on city propertymet withpublic backlash on social media.

The long-used hill at Queen's Athleticwasfenced off because of a serious injury at the site last year that resulted in a lawsuit.

• Unofficial sliding hill in Sudbury shut down this winter
• Sliding hill risks: Ontario cities struggle with liability

In response to the perceived clamp-down on tobogganing in the Nickel City, a Facebook invitation was extended to more than 4,000 people encouraging them to get out the sleds. A group met at Bell Park on Saturday night to go sliding together.

Late Friday, the City of Greater Sudbury released a statement softening its stance on sliding:

"Although Queen's Athletic Field will remain closed, other sliding hills will remain open. City staff will be assessing safety conditions at each of these locations, including Bell Park, where safety barriers are being erected to allow residents to continue to use this facility," the statement said.

The city said itpromotes active, healthy and safe enjoyment of outdoor activities and is committed to providing such opportunities for residents.

The statement also offered tips on how to slide safely:www.greatersudbury.ca/toboggan.