Posted3/3/2021 5:15 AM
Besides traditional projects like playground renovations, the Vernon Hills Park District's 2021 capital budget is expected to include a quirky purchase: a snow-making machine.
As the last of the heavy February snow melts with spring on the horizon, park district officials are looking ahead to times when Mother Nature isn't cooperating with winter activities, especially on the sled hill at the district's centerpiece Century Park.
"People have to get out in the winter when it's not bitter cold," said Jeff Fougerousse, the district's executive director.
"It's a worthwhile investment."
At 40 feet high, 300 feet long and 100 feet wide, the Century Park sled hill is a popular attraction that got a lot of use in recent weeks. It was so popular the volume of sledders eventually created moguls on the hill. That led to the facility being closed last week a bit earlier than normal for the season.