Top Five Places to go Sledding in Dearborn

Finally, Dearborn has received its first big snowfall of 2011, and there’s at least one happy group out there: sledders. If you’re among them, you’re in luck, because Dearborn Patch has picked the best places for you to go sledding around the city, whether you’re looking to entertain toddlers or in for a big, challenging hill.

1. Ford Field

An obvious choice, features the largest sledding hill in the city, as well as several smaller hills. Get there early to get the best sledding experience, as the park is sure to fill up with toboggans, saucers and tubes on any snowy day. And although Ford Field has a large parking lot near the playground area of the park, spots fill up fastest at the Cherry Hill side, where slip-sliding is just seconds away from your car.

Remember: Ford Field’s triumphant hill is somewhat hard to climb, but there are stairs, which are located on the left side if you’re facing the hill. Ford Field also has restrooms, which are located at the bottom of the hill on the east side of the park.

Watch out for snow ramps, which youth are sure to build, and be mindful of other sledders here.

2. Levagood Park

In the summer, ’s multiple pools are a haven from the heat to area families. But don’t write off Levagood in the winter, either. Though the sledding hill, located on the side of the park near Wilson Avenue, is much smaller than Ford Field’s offerings, it’s a hidden gem for those looking to avoid crowds.

Levagood’s hill is perfect for younger kids just getting their sledding chops, and has several nearby jungle gyms, too.

3. Lapeer Park

Residents of Dearborn’s south end know that finding a great sledding hill is as easy as a trip to .

Located near the neighborhood, Lapeer Park’s hill is moderately sized, and already saw plenty of sledding action over the holiday break. It’s just a quick walk from the parking lot located off of Lapeer Street, and is quite long, offering plenty of room for prospective sledders.

4. Argyle-Williamson Jr. Playground

Though older kids might scoff at the idea of snow-surfing at the , this small playlot is perfect for toddler sledding fun.

Located east of Greenfield Road and north of Michigan Avenue, Argyle-Williamson is located in a residential area and is full of open space and several small hills. Think your child is too young for sledding? Think again. Though Ford Field is a no-go, it’s all a matter of starting out small.

5. Ford Woods Park

The excellent conditions for playing in the snow aren’t particular to , but it’s a good example of a much-neglected fun space: wide open fields.

Ford Woods, like several other Dearborn parks, has many of them, and though they’re not the steep, sloping hills of Ford Field, they can provide tons of fun on a tube or saucer sled. Take turns pulling each other around (or maybe just do the pulling, if you’re playing with a small child). Make snow angels and snow men and snow forts.

Whatever you do, wherever you choose to play, just be sure to enjoy the weather. It’s much better than sitting inside, lamenting it.