Risks involved for sledders at Duncan Woods

Wed, Jan 6, 2010    to del.icio.us

Although a recent sledding accident involving fallen trees at Duncan Memorial Park claimed the life of an 11-year-old Nunica boy, officials say there isn't much that can be done to the park to make it injury proof.

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According to Duncan Park Trustee Jerry Scott, as part of the original deed for the property, it was a requirement that the park be left to it's natural state. Scott said the exception is for cleared trails and driveways that allow people access to the park.

The 40 acres that make up Duncan Memorial Park were donated to the people of Grand Haven by Martha Duncan in 1913 in memory of her husband, Robert. The park is governed by a three-man board; and, though it is a public park, it is maintained by donations and not tax dollars.

"Duncan Woods is what we call a 'passive' park," Scott said.

A passive park is the remnant of a natural ecosystem that is left unkempt and found in the midst of a developed area.

In spite of Duncan Woods' vast natural features, people have been using the park for a wide range of uses — from dog walking, picnics and even winter sports.

"People have been sledding there for years," Scott said. "It's a family gathering area."

In the particular instance of the death of Nash, Scott said the sledding activity was taking place in an area that was not the park's main area typically used for sledding, so there was an added element of risk. He said the area in which Nash was sledding was a trail area, which also has trees, but it isn't uncommon for snowboarders and sledders both to use this area.

"As far as I know, we've never had a fatality out there," Scott said.

There are no signs placed at the park to warn people of the risks involved with various activities at the park.

Although he is unsure of what kind of liability there would be if a sign was placed, Scott did say anytime someone makes note of a hazard with a sign, they accept the fact that there is a hazard present, and this could have consequences.

For people that do choose to go to the park to participate in various activities, Scott said people are at their own discretion for what kind of risk they place themselves in.

"We have so many people who enjoy this activity," Scott said. "We don't want to discourage it and (want to) encourage being safe."

This includes going to areas to sled that don't pose a significant threat to one's health and welfare.

"For sledding, I would encourage them to use what we call the sled bowl area," Scott said.

The recommended sledding area is the hill facing the park's parking lot.

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According to Scott, once all the investigations have been completed, the Duncan Park Board will look at the situation in case some type of decision needs to be made.

On the Net:

http://grandhaven.org/city-services/board-commissions/duncan-park-board/