Louisville designates several local parks for sledding after Sunday's winter storm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Parks and Recreation has opened several sledding hills in various local parks.

The city designates sledding hills anytime 2 or 3 inches of snow falls in the area, so those hills are now open after Sunday's winter storm. Officials warn that if you can see grass poking through the snow cover, it's not deep enough to sled safely.

The sledding hills are located in these parks:

Designated Sledding Hills:

Cherokee Park (Baringer Hill, intersection of Alexander Road and Scenic Loop)
Joe Creason Park (Trevilian Way, across from Louisville Zoo)
George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Ave., behind the playground, near McKinley Avenue)
McNeely Lake Park (6900 Cooper Chapel Road, near Korean War Memorial
Charlie Vettiner Park (5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Road, near Easum Road entrance)

The hills will be open during the daylight hours and subject to the following rules:

Sledding Rules:

Park vehicles only in regular parking areas to protect your car from damage
No vehicles are permitted off the pavement in any park
No alcoholic beverages are permitted at any time
Those who use the designated sledding hills are doing so at their own risk. Bonfires will not be permitted at Parks and Recreation sites, and sledders are urged to carry a cell phone in the event of an emergency
Please pick up your trash or use the designated trash bins for waste removal - or take trash with you as you leave

Sledding Safety Tips:

Only use devices designed for sledding
Wear appropriate clothing — loose ends or flaps can easily get caught
Sleds should contain a number of riders appropriate for the designated device during each descent
Dress in layers, so you can remove one layer without risking frostbite. Several thin layers are warmer than one bulky layer
Make sure you’re with someone who knows your name and can contact family in an emergency; parents should remain with their children
Don’t drink alcohol before sledding - it impairs your ability to use good judgment and causes the body to lose heat more rapidly
Check your path for trees and other objects before starting your descent
Don’t sled head-first or standing up. Good visibility is necessary during your descent
Don’t face backwards, and make sure your vision isn’t obscured by hats and scarves
When climbing the hill, stay to the sides. Don’t climb in the sledding path. It’s important to remember that slopes can become very crowded during peak times

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