Posted Wednesday, December 3, 2008 --- 3:15 p.m.

Press Release from the City of Madison Parks:

It’s snowing! It’s time to get out the sleds and enjoy some of the winter fun in Madison’s parks.

Sledding Hills:
At this point, only the sledding hills will be open. Elver Park, Olbrich Park, Warner Park, Heistand Park and Berkley Park are some of the local favorites.

Elver Park Warming Shelter will be open this weekend for sledders to warm up and buy a cup of hot cocoa before getting back on the hill. Elver Park Shelter hours are: Saturday and Sunday, 11:00a.m. – 9:30p.m.

Parks Staff reminds everyone to have fun, be safe and respect your fellow sledders. Bring your own sleds. Keep a safe distance from others when sledding. Exit the bottom of the hill as quickly as possible. Walk up the hill using the side of the hill. And remember, the use of the sledding hill is at your own risk.

Later this winter, Elver Park will have snow guns to make snow on the sledding hill. Thanks to generous donations from the Madison Community Foundation and the Madison Nordic Ski Club, the Madison Parks Division was able to purchase snow making and grooming equipment. More on this exciting development to come.

Ice Rinks:
The ice rinks are dangerously thin ice and are not yet ready for skating. All of the rinks and lagoons have open water areas. Parks staff will alert the public when the ice is safe for everyone to skate on.

Ski Trails:
Parks staff will continue to pack snow and build the ski trail base. There is not yet enough snow to set a track. The snow fall was marginal. And conditions are extremely poor for skate skiing and track skiing. As conditions change, we will keep the public informed.

For more information: cityofmadison.com/parks or call 608-266-4711.