Residents request use of park's hill

Some new signs have been put up at Evergreen Park in northeast American Fork. Instead of welcoming residents to the park, or giving the facility's hours, they are telling the public that no iceblocking or water-covered plastic sheets are allowed in the park or on the hill on its north and east sides.

Those items are harming the grass at the park, said parks superintendent Cal Houghton.

With iceblocking, individuals put a towel or other covering on a block of ice, then sit on it and ride it down the hill. Most of those using the hill, however, have set up tarps and run water on them, then slide down with or without inner tubes.

Terrie Card, one of the neighboring residents, said both activities are fun for people.

"It is a really reasonable activity for a lot of people," she said. "It goes fast and lots of people can do it."

It takes about half an hour to set up the tarps and get the water ready. A property owner near the top of the hill takes reservations and allows the home's water to be used for a fee.

Card did admit the activity leaves some marks on the grass.

"It has a couple of lines," she said. "So be it. We are enjoying our park."

Councilwoman Sherry Kramer told the other City Council members about the issue at the group's July 22 meeting. She suggested there could be a rotation in which different areas could be used at different times to minimize the wear on the grass. Another option she suggested was for groups to leave a deposit or rent the area from the city's parks department.

Melanie Marsh, the city's Chief of Staff, said the city's Parks and Recreation Committee will consider the issue and make a recommendation. Until then, those who wish to do either activity should call the parks department at 763-3060 and find out if it is available and where the best location is.

"They may rope off certain areas and rotate where they can place the slides," she said. "That way the grass has time to rejuvenate."

Card explained that last weekend, some residents contacted the city and found out there was no ordinance enacted making it illegal or outlining the a fine or other punishment for using the hill. Until such an ordinance is passed, residents said they expected they would be able to use it.