After considering many different options, we have made the difficult decision to keep the tubing hill at Calumet County Park closed for the 2020-2021 winter season.
Although tubing is an outdoor activity, the concern for public health comes from shared snow tubes, public restrooms, a very small concession and warming area, and close gatherings of people for long periods of time. Aside from the public health aspect we have had continual staff shortages and cannot guarantee the needed number of staff to safely operate the tube hill and tow line.
We anticipate that even if the hill did open that the attendance rate would be low. The tube hill itself requires a great deal of financial invest to get started for the year.
All of these factors have led to the difficult, but necessary decision to close the Calumet County Park tubing hill for the 2020-2021 season.
Park staff will take advantage of the situation and use this time to do some much needed maintenance on the tube hill berms. The current berms will be lengthened and flattened with added fill to make a longer and safer run out. Staff will also be installing additional drainage tile to direct water away from the base of the current berms. In past years, large amounts of water collects and freezes here, making for a very dangerous landing surface. There has been times when the tube hill could not safely open because there was too much ice at the base of the hill and around the tow line. This project will make the tube hill safer for years to come.
When construction is not taking place, the public is welcome to use the tube hill at their own risk. However, the hill will not be groomed, the tow rope will not be running, and tubes will not be provided. When construction is taking place the public is asked to stay off of the tube hill and avoid the construction area.
We appreciate your support in making this difficult decision.