Don't Sled On Me, Says University In Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — After a blizzard dumped 20.5 inches of snow on Hoboken by midday Monday, local kids — who had the day off from school — built snowmen and went sledding around town. In a densely packed mile-square city, they found a way to make the most of the storm.

Families have traditionally flocked to the campus of the Stevens Institute of Technology to go sledding, as well as a few other spots in town. But Stevens made it clear on Monday that sledding is not allowed.

They posted on Instagram on Monday: "To our Stevens Community and Hoboken neighbors: sledding is not permitted on campus grounds. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe this winter season."

The university also has a page on their website titled, "Sledding on the Stevens Campus" that consists of one line: "Sledding on the Stevens campus is not allowed."

Kara Panzer, a spokeswoman for Stevens, said Tuesday, "Unfortunately, the two areas on campus where sledding might otherwise occur both present serious hazards. One slope leads directly toward a roadway, creating the risk of collision with vehicle traffic. The other terminates at a fence."

She added, "We encourage members of our community to enjoy the winter season safely, and take advantage of other local options for sledding."

Reactions to Monday's Instagram message were mixed.

"Smiling and laughing ban coming soon!!" wrote one woman.

"Can you ban Zoom classes instead?" asked another commenter. Classes at the University were remote on Tuesday.

(The Hoboken Public Schools remained closed on Tuesday, but will reopen Wednesday, the district said.)

Hoboken families managed to find other unsanctioned places to sled.

A public area with two large slides, located between the Park Avenue and Willow Avenue bridges, proved a draw:

Other families were seen trying to build small ramps in the parks.

Jersey City Families has suggested that kids can sled at Liberty State Park, a train ride away from Hoboken.

Although the city promptly cleared the streets after the blizzard ended, forecasters have suggested that the accumulated snow may stick around a while. Small accumulations of snow and ice are expected again Wednesday and Thursday. READ MORE: More Snow In Forecast As State Recovers From Blizzard.

Have you found a safe place to sled in Hoboken? Let Patch know.