by Matt Marquardt –
MASON CITY – The “One Man Think Tank” is at it again.
Fresh of his last volunteer effort, building a replica of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Park Inn Hotel in the middle of Southbridge Mall to collect food for the Hawkeye Food Bank, Ozzie Ohl’s latest quest is to get a new sledding hill built in Mason City.
He has found his location at Georgia Hanford Park on the city’s southeast side.
(PHOTO: Ozzie Ohl of Mason City points to the proposed location for a sledding hill, located in Georgia Hanford Park prairie area.)
It was a delicate issue, and Ohl proceeded with due diligence through the Mason City Parks Board and then received the blessing of the Gerk family of Mason City who have been supporters of trees and prairie areas in the park.
Ohl found out that utilities can be run to the area, possibly for lights or other needs. “I toured the area with Steve Harrington from Alliant,” he said. “They can run electrical to the area.”
Ohl is looking to raise thousands of dollars to get the project completed by this winter… provided there is snow, that is.
“Need to raise $20,000 to take care of excavating, running electricity, installing lighting and putting in permanent concrete benches,” Ohl said. “I will be relying on the generosity of the people of Mason City to get this done,” he said.
One of the ways interested persons can contribute to the project is by sponsoring a concrete bench. For $500, the benches can be personalized. “The are very durable,” Ohl said. “Names of loved ones or your own name can be placed on the bench permanently.”
(PHOTO: Ozzie Ohl talks about benches needed at the proposed sledding hill location.)
Ohl said the hill will be at least “twice as long” as the East Park Sledding hill. “Sledding is one of the cheapest forms of recreation,” Ohl said. “It fits in well with the Blue Zones concept. Hopefully everything can fall into place so the kids and their parents can enjoy the new sledding hill this winter.”
Ohl has an account set up at City Hall, the “Georgia Hanford Sledding Hill Project” where anyone can donate to the project.
Click graphic for larger view of sledding hill layout
Watch video:
httpv://youtu.be/1-5Tx2tAaLE
I haven’t seen any negative comments toward Mr. Ohl. He has a good idea, but wanted to point out that all projects need both a visionary who sees the big picture and can start change, but also needs the detail people who ask the specifics that will result in a successful project (like parking, upkeep, liability, city staffing and budgeting).Don’t think these make commentors Debbie Downers, just practical.
Don’t mean to play devil’s advocate here, but Omaha is considering banning sledding in their parks. OWH says it could become a pastime of the past…Omaha says a ban on sledding and other high-risk recreation in parks might be the best way to reduce liability. $2,000,000 payout on lawsuit for injured sledder … …OUCH!
full article
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120720/NEWS/707209901
LOL. That’s just cruel to say this, even though it is true. Kids cant do squat anymore due to legalities, “getting sued,” bullshit like that. Makes me wanna puke how sixk our society is.
Just My Opinion
July 26, 2012 at 9:40 am
It’s more likely that someone will get hurt on the new sledding hill that’s being developed.
Is this reall possible?
I’m confused. Is the bench in the picture a concrete bench? I’m not trying to be a wet blanket, but I wonder where the benches would be located so there would be no danger of the sleds veering off course and running into them. Would there be a safety fence or something? I think it’s great that Ozzy is taking on this project. Our new Ernie Zerbel.
How will this differ from the sledding hill at East Park and do we need another one? It looks as if it will be a long walk from parking to hills. What city money and upkeep will be needed? I remember when they used to clear off the pond there for ice skating, perhaps that could also be done again. Thanks Ozzie.
How will sledding hill affect current walking trail in the area that people use year round? Where will parking be and how will this affect nearby residents?
Nice to meet you, Mr. Wetblanket.
@Walker If you look at the graphic, it doesn’t look like the finished hill will effect the walking paths. If a silly walking path is what’s going to hold you back from wanting this terrific idea, well then you’re just a “debbie downer” Keep up the good work Mr. Ohl, this community is blessed to have people like you!! God Bless
Where do you walkers park and how do you affect the neighborhood?
Mr. Ohl , thank you for all you are doing for Mason City…..your dedication and acts of kindness are appreciated by our family….you are to be recognized again for all you have done…..volunteering in Mason City is a great opportunity for all of us to become involved in making our town proud. Volunteering as you do and our family does can be very rewarding…..thank you to you…….