News
News Home
The Regina Brett Show
Quick Bites
Exploradio
News Archive
News Channel
Special Features
NPR
nowplaying
On AirNewsClassical
Loading...
  
Weather
From WKYC.COM / TV 3
School Closings
WKSU Support
Funding for WKSU is made possible in part through support from the following businesses and organizations.

Meaden & Moore

Akron General

Hennes Paynter Communications


For more information on how your company or organization can support WKSU, download the WKSU Media Kit.

(WKSU Media Kit PDF icon )


Donate Your Vehicle to WKSU

Programs Schedule Make A Pledge Member BenefitsFAQ/HelpContact Us
Lifestyle


Tobogganing in the MetroParks
Cleveland's snow chutes going strong after 45 seasons
by WKSU's KABIR BHATIA


Reporter
Kabir Bhatia
 
The Cleveland MetroParks toboggan chutes are in their 45th season. The metal lining of the tracks was recently removed so that ice can form and provide a smoother surface
Courtesy of K. Bhatia
In The Region:
After a warm and nearly snow-less winter last year, tobogganers are hitting the slope in the Cleveland MetroParks. WKSU’s Kabir Bhatia reports.
More on the MetroParks toboggans

Other options:
Windows Media / MP3 Download (1:36)


(Click image for larger view.)

Many kids said they were freezing and scared on the chutes. And then they ran up the 108 steps to go again
Most people try to avoid careening downhill in the winter. But there's one place where it’s OK to go as fast as possible: the toboggan chutes in the Cleveland MetroParks. They’re in Strongsville, just south of the intersection of I-71 and the Ohio Turnpike. Two simple concrete and metal tracks that look like God chiseled them in place among the trees and snow. What looks like a nearly vertical, 70 foot drop swoops into a straightaway during which tobogganers can try to react to what just happened.

“We don't have snow in Brazil, so it's new. It's awesome. We loved it.”

“I'd say it's quite thrilling.”

“Your stomach goes up a lot.”

“Don't think about the chute. Think about having fun. And don't look.”

“I liked it.”

The chutes are little changed since they opened in 1967, except for some safety improvements such as removing the bumpy metal lining of the track. New this year is a lift for the toboggans themselves, so tired patrons don’t have to carry the heavy sleds up 108 wooden steps. Management says that’s making people less tired, so they’re staying longer. The Goodman cousins – four tween girls from New Jersey who are visiting family – sound like they never want to leave.

“Petrifying! It was so scary but it was so much fun. I thought that was my last moment on Earth. It's an experience you'll never experience. A blast!”

The refrigeration system means the chutes can be used when temperatures hit as high as 60 degrees, rain or shine, though the best conditions are crisp, clear and cold.



Add Your Comment
Name:

Location:

E-mail: (not published, only used to contact you about your comment)


Comments:




 
Page Options

Print this page

E-Mail this page / Send mp3

Share on Facebook




Stories with Recent Comments

GRADING THE TEACHERS: Is the answer all in the value-added numbers?
The education of a child is a collaboration among three equally important components: the teacher, the child and the parents/care-giver. If one of these three c...

How many airports does Ohio need, and how many can it afford?
HI, ACTUALLY I NEED A AIRPORT NEAR BY FINDLAY UNIVERSITY IN OHIO

Ohio gay rights organizations argue over timing of a marriage amendment
Ian James and his group are jumping the gun and acting selfishly IMO. Timing IS everything on an issue. Put it on the ballot BEFORE there's multiple polls showi...

Ohio Supreme Court to rule whether benefits count in child support
This person is the director of a non-profit that is closely connected with a for profit business. The abuses of so called "non-profit" businesses is out of cont...

Ohio senator wants a five-year database of casino customer photos
Nice timing Coley, in the wake of the Verizon data collection fiasco. You just flipped a lifelong Republican to Independent. What is happening to our country? ...

Ohio tea party members prepare to sue the IRS
All Tea Party members should be involved in lawsuit against Government for eavesdropping, intimidation and character assasination!

Ohio Senate's unrecorded voting process raises questions
This type of voting strikes me as down right unconstitutional AND very un-American...quite similar to what one expects in eastern block countries of Europe and ...

Goodyear celebrates new global headquarters in Akron
Good news for Akron and Northeast Ohio. Another opportunity to keep some of the high tech qualified young engineers close to home.

Akron's push for food-labeling part of a national movement
I couldn't believe my ears, so I looked up the text. Sure enough, you really did say the following: "GMOs are ... seeds that have been genetically engineered b...

Ohio considers guns and God and public schools
Rep. Patmon is making the mistake that many people make: that belief in god and belief in religion are the same. They are not. If fact, the "founding fathers"...

Copyright © 2013 WKSU Public Radio, All Rights Reserved.

 
In Partnership With:

NPR PRI Kent State University

listen in windows media format listen in realplayer format Car Talk Hosts: Tom & Ray Magliozzi Fresh Air Host: Terry Gross A Service of Kent State University 89.7 WKSU | NPR.Classical.Other smart stuff. NPR Senior Correspondent: Noah Adams Living on Earth Host: Steve Curwood 89.7 WKSU | NPR.Classical.Other smart stuff. A Service of Kent State University