Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Deb Malewski – The thrill of the hill is back in Eaton Rapids, and residents couldn’t be happier. Now, if the snow would just return!)

 

The sledding hill at the former Northwestern School in Eaton Rapids officially reopened to the public on December 1, restoring a favorite winter pastime and sentimental landmark for the community. The hill is located at 400 Dexter Road, next to Oakridge Park, and is open for sledding daily from dawn to dusk at no charge.

Northwestern School closed around 2011 due to declining enrollment and school consolidations. It was sold in 2016 to a couple who renovated parts of the interior into their home. Over the years, the school has changed ownership several times. 

The school is now being developed into apartment housing by Century Construction from Lansing. Developer Aaron Tobias will be starting soon on the transition of the building into apartments.

During the period of private ownership, sledding was prohibited due to liability concerns. Working in cooperation with the current developer for the building, the City of Eaton Rapids has now been able to restore access to this well-loved hill, bringing back a winter tradition fondly remembered by several generations of Eaton Rapids residents.

The sledding news sparked almost 500 comments on Facebook recently from those remembering their childhood sledding experiences on that hill. Many were able to sled during recess and lunch as students at Northwestern. 

“In third grade (1969) this was a mountain of a hill,” John Colestock admitted. “I’m very happy to see it returned.” Colestock attended the school from its start—it was built in 1959.

Others shared the same excitement:

 “This is awesome! I think the 5-year-old in me has emerged!” wrote one poster.

 “Come on, grandmas! Let’s go sledding!” said another.

 And a favorite: “I’m glad a new generation gets to discover the thrill of that hill.”

Janell Colgan recalled sledding there on New Year’s Eve with her children, linking their inner tubes together like a train before heading home for hot cocoa and hot dogs cooked on the wood burner. “Going down the hill is easy,” she laughed. “But getting back up is too hard!”

Eaton Rapids Mayor Pam Colestock, a lifelong resident, echoed the nostalgia and gratitude.

“We are thrilled to bring back the sledding hill at Northwestern. We’ve received many positive responses from the community since announcing its return,” she said. “The hill at Northwestern has a long and rich history in Eaton Rapids, and we are happy that we could work with the new owners to make it part of our community once again.”

Safety reminders include dressing for the weather and the exercise and watching out for others.

Most importantly—have fun and enjoy the return of a winter tradition that has connected Eaton Rapids families for more than half a century.