Community celebrates future of Sled Hill

SANDPOINT — It won't be long before the shrieks of children bundled in winter clothing ring out as they race down a sled hill. Thanks to Kaniksu Land Trust's purchase of the private land, that winter tradition will continue for generations. 

Community members gathered at the historic hill Saturday to celebrate a cherished landmark enjoyed for nearly a century and that will continue well into the future thanks to the KLT's 2022 purchase of the 48-acre Dover property for $1.9 million. 

"We're just so grateful that these lands are now open and accessible for our whole community to enjoy forever," said KLT Executive Director Katie Cox. "These types of areas are so significant to communities because it does allow health benefits, physical, emotional, mental, to be able to have nature so accessible." 

Cox smiled as she looked across the expanse of land. Parents watched their children run up and down the hill, visitors learned to press cider, and toddlers wobbled across the grass carrying pumpkins. 

"This is truly what this place is about," Cox said. 

For decades, locals used the hill for skiing and sledding alike until the parcel went on the market in 2021, threatening public access. Community members and KLT wasted no time working to keep the hill accessible to everyone. 

To buy KLT time to raise funds, a group of sympathetic donors acquired the land and leased it to KLT for $1 until the organization had enough money to buy the property.   

Residents and businesses chipped in, helping with the necessary funding. After Schweitzer donated 50 historic ski lift chairs and a subsequent auction, KLT announced it had raised enough money to buy the property in August 2023. 

"We are grateful to the community that sought us out, that felt like we could be responsible stewards of this property forever," Cox said. 

Resident Joe Leonti said the purchase is important, especially as he has seen rural areas give way to rapid development. He recalled an old barn in a town where he once lived that met the same fate. 

"They wanted to save it and use it for concerts and things like that," Leonti said of the barn. "Nobody stepped up." 

Leonti also said the purchase will allow future generations to enjoy the hill, instilling a desire for them to be part of a community that "steps up" to save public access to land. 

"Having people do this, and having it succeed, I think is very important," Leonti said.

    An attendee learns how to press apple cider at the Sled Hill Grand Opening event.
  

    A family enjoys Sled Hill during the Sled Hill Grand Opening event.