Summerlin residents participate in 16th annual snow day event

The Arbors Tennis and Play Park was transformed into the valley's only sledding park for the 16th annual Summerlin Snow Day Jan. 20. Thousands of residents bundled up in snow gear for the winter event, which has become an annual tradition.

"Residents of all ages enjoy taking a ride down a snow-covered hill," said Lezlie Barnson-DeNardin, community relations director for The Summerlin Council, the nonprofit arm of the Summerlin Community Association that plans and coordinates hundreds of classes, youth camps, sports leagues and events for Summerlin residents every year, including the annual Snow Day event. "We love seeing big smiles on people's faces as they slide down the hill. The opportunity to enjoy a Saturday of sledding in Las Vegas is a rarity but it's an annual event in Summerlin."

Snow Day originated in 1994 at The Hills Park with 40 sleds. In 2000, the event moved to The Arbors Tennis and Play Park. This year, more than 2,000 residents participated in the event, according to Barnson-DeNardin.

Ready Ice, which has supplied the ice for Summerlin's Snow Day since its inception, blows more than 50 tons of ground cocktail ice through a 25-foot hose to create the snow-covered hill. It takes five hours to turn a grassy hillside into a snow-covered sledding track. "It's a lot of work, but it's totally worth it," Barnson-DeNardin said.

"The Summerlin Council's activities and events create a true sense of community here in Summerlin," said Tom Warden, senior vice president of community and government relations for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin. "They create memories for families and friends to enjoy for years to come."

For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com or call 791-4500.