Dozens of D.C. families showed up for a “sled-in” Thursday in an act of civil disobedience against the sledding ban on Capitol Hill.
Protesters held signs that read “Let my people sled!” and “The public and our kids love to sled. Let us,” Fox News reported.
“We have cabin fever,” Tim Krepp, who brought his children sledding, told Fox News. “We get tired of getting pushed around and people told you can’t do… you have to draw the line and say no.”
Despite pleas from D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to lift the ban, Capitol Police Board Chairman said he couldn’t due to security concerns.
“If the forecast holds true, there are many families who will want to enjoy the snow tomorrow,” he said in a statement Wednesday night. “Although, for security reasons, the Capitol grounds are not your typical neighborhood hill or playground.”
Mrs. Norton had sent a letter to Capitol Police requesting that the sledding ban be temporarily lifted from Thursday through Sunday.
“Have a heart,” the Democrat wrote. “This could be the last snowstorm the D.C. area gets this winter, and may be one of the best for sledding in years. Children and their parents should able to enjoy sledding on one of the best hills in the city.”
Despite the ban, police did not appear to be making any arrests Thursday. Dozens of kids were seen sledding, building snowmen, climbing trees and throwing snowballs.
“No enforcement of #sledding ban on Capitol Hill today,” Mrs. Norton tweeted. “Thank you Capitol Police!”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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