Great Falls’ Park and Recreation Department has prohibited sledding at Verde Park after a young person suffered a serious head injury there last winter.

The city said the restriction was based on public safety concerns and potential liability. Officials said legal protections do not prevent lawsuits or eliminate the costs of defending against them.

Prior Sledding Case

The city’s liability concerns include a case involving Bryce Weinert, who was 15 when he was injured sledding at Broadwater Overlook Park in November 1997. Weinert sued the city.

In June 2004, the Montana Supreme Court upheld a ruling in the city’s favor. The court found that Montana’s Recreational Use Act protected the city from Weinert’s negligence claim and that there was insufficient evidence to take his willful or wanton misconduct claim to trial.

Possible Review

City officials said the City Commission could consider whether to adopt a different policy for sledding in city parks. Staff could provide commissioners with information about prior incidents, legal issues and risk management.

The city has not identified a scheduled discussion or timeline for reconsidering the Verde Park restriction.