Oswego Locations For Sledding, Skating, Winter Sports

OSWEGO, IL — It's been a little too cold lately for some of us to enjoy outdoor winter sports. As the halfway point of the season approaches, consider taking the kids for a sled run or two. The season will be over before you know it. Here are a few free ways to get outside thru March. This information was taken from Oswegoland Park District.

SLEDDING

Last but certainly not least, sledding, the most beloved winter activity of all. If you relish in the brisk winter air kissing your nose and cheeks as you descend a hill at lightning speed, we have seven parks with sledding hills for you! Bring your favorite saucer, tandem bobsled or inflatable snow tube and come enjoy the great outdoors. Parks with snow hills include:

• Prairie Point Community Park: 4120 Plainfield Rd.
• Northampton Park: 310 Northampton Dr.
• Chesterfield Park and Lake: 139 Chesterfield Dr.
• Ogden Falls Park: 375 Ogden Falls Blvd.
• Deerbrook Park: 2220 Barrington Drive West in Aurora
• Community Park at Grande Park: 26333 Grand Park Blvd. in Plainfield

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOW SHOEING

If you have the equipment, head out to these locations, which vary in difficulty:

Waa Kee Sha – The mildest terrain, this park offers 22 acres of dense woodland. You will see nature at its finest as you traverse the trails.

Fox Bend Golf Course – Winter brings a whole new perspective to bridges, hills, and bunkers.

Saw Wee Kee – A great place for intermediate or expert skiers, Saw Wee Kee Park offers a more technical landscape. Make sure to follow the trail signs as you dive into this 134.4-acre park.

ICE SKATING AND ICE FISHING

When the weather is just right, safety flags will indicate that the conditions at Briarcliff Woods Park and Lake are ready for you to bring your ice skates or fishing gear on over. Our Operations Team works hard to maintain the rink all winter long by sweeping accumulated snow and ensuring a set area is barricaded for activities. Make sure you see the safety flag before heading out on the ice!

Did we miss a secret stash of snow? A special spot for winter sports? Send us an email at Oswego@patch.com and we'll be sure to include it here.

Nearby Naperville has a list of free outdoor activities offered through its park district. Included is a hill exclusive to snowboarders.

Image: Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press