Sledding can be a dangerous activity. So much so, some cites are banning the activity on city owned property. Is it time for Grand Junction and other western Colorado communities to do the same?

We haven't had an abundance of snow or cold weather in Grand Junction this winter. So even the more popular city sledding areas, like Duck Pond Park, haven't seen enough activity this season to make Grand Junction ban sledding like many other cities across the country have because of the threat of, or actual multi-million dollar liability lawsuits brought against them.

One of the more popular sledding hills near 27 and B Roads was closed a few years ago partly due to development in the area and also because of liability concerns.

Even without sledding in town, there's still the 'Old Powderhorn' ski hill on the Grand Mesa that many sledding and tubing enthusiasts visit on a daily basis.

Anyone who's frequented 'Old Powderhorn' can tell you they've had or have seen their  share of bumps, bruises, sprains and the occasional trip to the hospital by those who find themselves sliding uncontrollably down the hill to a crash landing.

Nationwide, 20,000 children are hospitalized with sledding related injuries each year, which makes many wonder whether it's time to ban the activity.

Then, there's the question, if sledding isn't banned, who's ultimately responsible for the safety of those who decide to hop on a sled, saucer or inner tube and slide down a hill whether publicly or privately owned?

 

 

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