Toboggan Triumph
Winter fun at 55 MPH

Some folks may consider driving to work a winter thrill ride, but The Cleveland Metroparks offers a different definition. It revolves around Strongsville's Chalet Recreation Area Toboggan Chutes, which by the way are the only public chutes in the Buckeye State. Yes, tobogganing does require you to go outside but the adventure - and the cardio workout - is well worth it.

"We usually get between 30,000 to 40,000 people a year at the Toboggan Chute," said Cleveland Metroparks Marketing and Public Relations Manager Bob Rotatori. "What you have to remember is the chutes are only open from the day after Thanksgiving through typically the first week of March. So it's only about a three-month window that we get a lot of people through there."

The outdoor fun begins at the Chalet Recreation Area, which is located at the bottom of a good-sized hill that boasts two refrigerated ice chutes approximately 10 feet apart. First constructed in 1967, the chutes are made from pre-cast concrete supported on caissons. As for getting up the hill, that's where the cardio workout comes into play, with roughly 125 steps separating heavy breathing from holding your breath as you ride your traditional wooden toboggan 700 icy feet with an initial vertical drop of 70 feet.

"We've clocked some riders from 40 to 55 miles per hour," Rotatori said. "It really depends on how many people are on it, plus the weight. You want more people because the heavier it is the faster it's going. And it's also dependent on how the ice is on the chutes, the slicker the better. You can really get going on that thing."

He added that the Chalet Recreation Area staff actually uses a Zamboni-like machine to keep the ice rider-friendly smooth. Adding to the atmosphere is the fact the Chalet facility features two fireplaces (indoor and outdoor), a main gathering area with a large-screen television, a snack bar, a loft area with video games and indoor restrooms.

Naturally staying warm is a key but Rotatori said the chutes run in all types of normal wintertime weather.

"A lot of people don't realize these things work without snow," Rotatori said. "And some days snow is a hindrance. Like if it's snowing hard, they have to get out there and shovel the chutes out. So what I always try to promote is these refrigerated ice toboggan chutes operate with or without snow, and it's actually better when it's not snowing. And we can get up to temperatures in the low 40s. One of the funniest things that I ever saw was teenagers in shorts riding the toboggans. That was hysterical, especially because everyone thinks of it as winter ride."

Finally, going faster than a car is allowed in a school zone sounds a bit crazy. Just exactly how safe is the toboggan ride?

"We have some common safety rules," Rotatori said. "You have to wear gloves or mittens because of it being concrete and ice, they can cut you if you're not holding the toboggan properly. The people at the top will make sure that you're holding the string properly that goes along the side of the toboggan. They also ask you not to wave your arms around. But overall it's a pretty safe and very fun ride. Everyone seems to enjoy it."

Rules for the Strongsville's Chalet Recreation Area Toboggan Chutes - which are located on Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, between Routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville - are all riders must wear gloves or mittens, children must be at least 42 inches tall to ride, and must be accompanied by an adult. Personal toboggans are not allowed at the facility.

The chutes are open Thursdays through Sunday (times vary). The admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children, ages 11 and under. The fee includes unlimited use of toboggans for the day. One-time ride tickets are also available for $3. For more information, call 440-572-9990 or visit ClevelandMetroparks.com.

Free-lance writer John Benson spends most of his time writing for various papers throughout Northeast Ohio.

When he's not writing about music or entertainment, he can be found coaching his two boys in basketball, football and baseball or watching movies with his lovely wife, Maria. John also occasionally writes for CoolCleveland.com