This year, tobogganers have snow place to go
Swallow Cliff slides are unsafe and won't open

Wednesday, January 5, 2005

By Kristen McQueary
Staff writerCiting safety concerns over the poor conditions of Cook County's three toboggan slides — including Swallow Cliff near Illinois 83 and LaGrange Road — forest preserve officials said the toboggan runs will not open this year.

For the first time in recent history — perhaps ever — the slides will remain closed throughout the winter season, the Cook County Forest Preserve announced Tuesday.

Traditionally, the slides opened on a day-by-day basis when weather conditions permitted. Residents could call a hot line number to learn if the slides were operating.

But before the first heavy snow hits the Chicago area, forest preserve officials said they wanted to advise residents the chutes will be closed this season.

Last year, Swallow Cliff opened for a couple of weekends only, and four of the six chutes were too damaged for use.

"They're not safe," forest district spokesman Steve Mayberry said.

Forest Preserve District Commissioner Elizabeth Doody Gorman (R-Orland Park) lashed out at forest district officials, saying they should spend money repairing the slides instead of handing out "patronage jobs."

"I'm sure the people of Palos Township would rather see Sam Simone's salary go toward maintaining the chutes," she said.

Simone is Democratic committeeman for Palos Township recently hired by county board President John Stroger as a $72,000 a year supervisor overseeing the far-flung field offices of the forest preserve district. The position had been vacant for more than four years, but forest officials said the extra supervisory help is necessary to keep track of the district's many employees.

Simone did not return a message left at the Palos Democratic offices.

"I understand the liability issues, the realistic part of it maintaining the safety for the people, but it's disheartening for what we're striving for to keep these chutes open," said Gorman, who also serves as Republican committeewoman for Orland Township.

Bids to repair a different toboggan run in the Dan Ryan Woods several years ago came in at more than $700,000. The forest district doesn't have the money to invest in such repairs, Mayberry said.

Forest officials are working on a proposal to solicit outside funding or an entrepreneur to take over the slides.

In the meantime, residents who use the stairs at Swallow Cliff for exercise will be allowed to continue doing so, Mayberry said.

Kristen McQueary may be reached at kmcqueary@dailysouthtown.com or (708) 633-5972.