Sledding Hill/Disc Golf: From NextDoor: “Many local Bike Park advocates are spreading misinformation about the sledding hill and disc golf course if Hughes becomes a natural area.”
Update September 2025:
As we’ve said all along, the City code ALLOWS for sledding and disc golf in Natural Areas at the discretion of the Natural Areas Department.
“Would sledding and disc golf be allowed at a Hughes natural area?
A review of the code shows that sledding and throwing flying discs are not allowed in natural areas unless a sign has been posted specifically stating that use is allowed.
City staff have noted throughout its outreach on the future of the site that the idea of keeping both the sledding hill and disc golf is widely supported by the public.
But Katie Donahue, Natural Areas director, says it's too soon to know if the activities would remain.
If the Natural Areas Department were to create a natural area from scratch today, those uses wouldn't be included, she said, but because they are so valued at Hughes, the department would consider allowing them.
One factor the Natural Areas Department would consider is whether it should manage a Hughes natural area differently than the adjacent Maxwell and Pineridge natural areas, which do not allow any off-trail uses, Donahue said.
Sledding once was allowed at Pineridge, but it was closed due to safety concerns and because another sledding hill was available close by at the Hughes site, Donahue said. —
Posted by a user on NextDoor, 5/7/2025, K. Harper:
"Many local Bike Park advocates are spreading misinformation about the sledding hill and disc golf course if Hughes becomes a natural area. As you can see from the attached city code, sec. 23-193(b), both activities are allowed at the discretion of the natural areas department. My son and I always looked forward to sledding on the hill after a big snow and we often go to Aggie Greens to play disc golf and enjoy the natural setting. We will still be able to do these things when Hughes is a natural area. Walking, jogging, biking and horse back riding will also be available like they are at Pineridge and Maxwell natural area.
The Bike Park advocates often post the numbers of the code section, but never the code language itself. Some people just share this messaging without verifying what the code actually says, but someone is ultimately responsible for this deliberate deception.”
Our Take on the matter:
Pineridge Natural Area had a sledding hill up until a few years ago, and sledding and disc golf are permitted uses at the discretion of the Natural Areas Department per the municipal code. A sign would simply need to be posted if those uses are allowed. It’s likely that public feedback would be solicited, too.
The Pineridge sledding hill was open until a few years ago, and according to the linked report, it was only closed due to "serious safety" issues because there were boulders and other natural features that were considered unsafe to sledders.
This concern does not apply at Hughes. In fact, also at the link below, Natural Areas staff stated that they would advocate for use of the sledding hill at Hughes. As we know, the sledding hill and golf course exist on the stormwater detention pond near Overland, which needs to remain on the property.
"Natural Areas will advocate for a sledding hill as part of the Hughes Redevelopment project."
https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/pineridge-sledding-idf-summary-table.pdf
These are the simple facts. Smear tactics from a desperate disinformation campaign will not hold up in the face of facts.
