These Grand Rapids City Parks Offer Free Sled Rental

I've heard that sleds are SUPER hard to find right now. Like beach chairs and inner tubes in the summer, they're a hot seasonal item that folks have been buying up like crazy during the pandemic and a lot of stores are out of stock...

Well maybe this will help! The City of Grand Rapids is offering free sled rentals at select parks on the weekends!

Now that the snow has REALLY dumped on us and kids are ready to go flying down some hills, here's when and where you can sled for free:

Saturdays, January 9 - February 27, 12 - 3 p.m.

Highland Park (700 College Ave NE)
Mulick Park (1632 Sylvan Ave SE)
Richmond Park (1101 Richmond St NW)

Sundays, January 10 - February 28, 12 - 3 p.m.

Mary Waters Park (1042 Lafayette Ave NE)
Mulick Park (1632 Sylvan Ave SE)
Plaster Creek Family Park (2401 Buchanan Ave SW)

It's part of Grand Rapids' "Thrive Outside" initiative that aims to connect youth to nature through outdoor experiences.

Before hitting up one of the free sledding events, the City says here are the things you should know:

These events are pending snow conditions, check back here for cancellation info before coming to the hill.
Please bring a face mask to wear while registering for your sled rental.
All sleds are sanitized in between uses and staff members will be following social distancing guidelines.
Children 12 and under should come accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For closure information, you can also call 616-456-3699.

What if the snow sticks around longer than this month? The City hasn't added additional free sledding dates, but it's Michigan... It may snow into May, right? (Ugh.) So I'd check back to the City's website to see if they extend the program past February.