No sled? No problem: Skate Ohio brings back its free sled sheds

MANSFIELD — The scrape of plastic on the snow, the rush down a hill and the laughter at the bottom holds many memories for people during the winter months.

This year, Skate Ohio plans to help make more of those memories with the sled sheds which are available for community members at Liberty, Burton and Middle Parks.

The small wooden structures hold free sheds for people to use and return when finished.

Free sleds return to Mansfield Parks

This marks the third year Skate Ohio has set up sled sheds around Mansfield. Adam McElroy vice president of Skate Ohio said the idea came together quickly after they saw a similar post from Indiana and decided to give it a try.

“It originally all came together in about a week because we were so excited,” McElroy said.

Many memories of his own sledding adventures helped fuel the sled shed. McElroy said as a child he remembers sledding down a hill — he could not tell you where it was at, but it was massive.

“Someone’s grandpa would pick us up at the bottom with a tractor,” he said. “We all would just sit back on our sleds while he pulled us back up to the top of the hill. Those were the days.”

These memories are something McElroy said he knows may not be as attainable for all families. Some families who have more than one child may not be able to have more than one sled — the sled shed is Skate Ohio’s way of fixing that.

“Hopefully they will get to come out and sled as an entire family, with enough for the parents to hop on some sleds too,” McElroy said.

The parental aspect of it is what McElroy said he enjoys seeing the most every year. The sled shed is fun for everyone, making it more than worth it.

Collaboration fuels the sled shed

The sheds will remain in place as long as snow sticks around. The goal focuses on keeping winter fun accessible for everyone.

The only rules are: have fun, enjoy the sled and put it back for the next person. Skate Ohio also encourages people to donate unused sleds or sledding gear and they plan to replace any sleds that go missing or break.

This year McElroy said B&E Water Well Service offered to sponsor the sled shed, by providing funds for the sleds and upkeep.

“We definitely want people to go follow their socials and keep them in mind the next time you need work done,” McElroy said. “They’re supporting Skate Ohio and the youth in the community with their collaboration.”

Owner of B&E Water Well Services Brandon Christine said he saw a post Skate Ohio made looking for help with sleds and donations.

“I reached out from there,” Christine said. “It’s good for the kids and I know I have so many memories from sledding as a kid.”

(Photos from the previous years sled sheds. Provided by Adam McElroy)