Photo by Lane Roberts

by Terri Wiebold

What happens to the 560 acres of open space and the 13.5 miles of natural trails that surround Castle Pines North (CPN) in the wintertime? Only the most beautiful blanket of snow you have ever seen – not to mention some GREAT sledding hills.

From the start of the first big snowfall in CPN, the open spaces and hills in the community are covered with, not only snow, but with children geared up for another season of sledding.

The hill on the northeast corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard is one of the most popular sledding hills in the area. Please be aware that dangers at this intersection do exist. Children waiting for a turn down the hill often stand on the sidewalk, just a few feet from cars speeding down Castle Pines Parkway. Drivers are encouraged to use caution when traveling near the sledding hill, especially if ice and snow are on the roadway.

Here are a few other important safety guidelines for sledding safely this season:

• Sled only in areas free of fixed objects such as trees, posts, and fences.
  
  
• Make sure that all children in sledding areas are supervised by an adult.
  
  
• Never go down a hill headfirst; sit facing forward and steer.
  
  
• Use a sled that can steer – it is safer than flat sheets, toboggans or snow discs.
  
  
• Wear warm and layered clothing to protect from injuries and the cold.
  
  
• Always wear a helmet.
  
  
• Know how to stop your sled or make a sharp turn by dragging your feet.
  
  
• Make sure sleds are in good condition and are not broken.
  
  
• Always tell an adult if you have a crash.

Armed with these guidelines, and the proper equipment, sledding this season should be a fun and safe experience.