Some states banning sledding

Accidents like Monday’s sledding incident is one reason why some areas are banning sledding.

However, officials in Jefferson City said they haven’t had the discussion, yet.

McKay Park in Jefferson City is a popular place for people to go sledding on snow days.

A Jefferson City mother, whose daughter enjoys sledding at the park, said it wouldn’t be fair to ban the activity.

Loretta Wilhelm takes her children sledding every chance she gets.

She said if she couldn’t take her kids sledding she would feel like she was failing them.

Wilhelm, who grew up in the Jefferson City, said she’s been coming to Mckay Park for 20 years to sled.

Her children go to school in Eugene and spent more than two hours Tuesday afternoon watching her kids sled at the park.

“I make sure they’re safe going down. I mean if they fall or something I make sure to check them. Otherwise, they’re just out here having fun,” said Wilhelm.

Bill Lockwood is the director of Parks and Recreation in Jefferson City.

He said once something tragic happens to someone while sledding, that’s typically when the topic comes up.

“Unfortunately, we can’t protect people from themselves all the time,” said Lockwood.

Young sledders had something to say about the issue.

“If they banned sledding here I mean it would be a huge disappointment to uh, us and all the other kids in the area,” said Christina Knatcal.

Reports show in a ten year time span nearly 230,000 kids were sent to the hospital for sledding related accidents.

Officials said to reduce the risk of injury while sledding to wear a helmet and avoid plastic sleds.