By Sesa Graham
MIDLAND- The Midland City Forest is open to the public for all your winter favorites. Whether you want to snowshoe through the trails, sled down the hills, toboggan, ice skate, or cross country ski, they have it all.
On Monday, Feb. 7, about nine people were sledding down the hills, three snowshoeing, and four walked through the trails with their dogs. It was the perfect day to relish in the cold, crisp air with little to no snow falling.
The sled hill is lighted for night use as well. No snowboards or skis are allowed on the sled hill. The trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing range from beginner to advanced.
Landon Bennett, an avid lover of sledding, expressed that he comes every chance he gets. “I love being able to get out of school and come here to enjoy the winter,” Bennett said. With little to do during the wintertime around the area, he finds anything he can to soak up the winter months.
Most of the one’s sledding were children with their parents, but their delighted laughter could make an adult want to feel like a kid again.
Katie Johnson, an Auburn resident, expressed how much she enjoys taking her children to the City Forest. “When the kids get home from school, or we’re bored on the weekends, I like being able to take them somewhere that they can burn some energy, and City Forest always has something to do.”
There was a range of colors of saucer sleds, all vibrant, which stood out against the bright white snow that had fallen the night before.
When there isn’t much snow on the ground, the City Forest makes their own snow when the conditions are right to make sure no one has to miss out on their winter fun.
The City Forest Chalet has seating for approximately 36 people plus a standing room. There are tables and bar-style seating. The Chalet is also available for rent for many different occasions.
The City Forest has an outdoor fire pit and a jumbo grill outside of the Chalet for those who would like to use it. The restroom is located inside of the Chalet at your convenience.
If you are interested in toboggan runs, you can’t bring your own, but you can rent one from the City Forest chalet during operational hours.
“Although it was nice not having many people around when I went during the week, I think I’d go on a weekend next time,” said Heather Kittle, Delta College student. She says that she would like to experience the toboggan run and ice skating since the toboggan run is only open on the weekends, and renting skates is only available then.
Monday through Thursday is free. Friday through Sunday rental rates and hours varies depending on your chosen winter activity.
City Forest is still full of fun adventures when there isn’t snow on the ground. You can enjoy nature on the trails while walking, jogging, or mountain biking during the warmer months.
Before getting your snow pants and gloves ready, give the City Forest a call to ensure that your favorite attractions are up and running in case of weather conditions.
For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Office at (989) 837-6930 or visit Midland City Forest- Winter Recreation.
Enjoy this short video of part of the Collegiate team sledding at Midland City Forest!
