During a recent government meeting, discussions centered around the importance of maintaining free skiing opportunities for children at Hickory Hills, a local ski area. Community members expressed their enthusiasm for the program, highlighting the positive impact it has on youth engagement in outdoor activities.

One speaker emphasized the significance of the revenue implications tied to the program, urging city park staff to collaborate with local organizations, such as Preserve Hickory and the ski club, to explore funding solutions. The speaker noted a history of substantial donations—amounting to $1 million—toward Hickory Hills, suggesting that continued support could help sustain free skiing for children.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of the proposed changes, with some officials clarifying that the initiative was primarily aimed at addressing congestion rather than financial concerns. The sentiment among attendees was clear: the community values the long-standing tradition of allowing children to ski for free, a practice that has been in place since 1952.

As the meeting concluded, there was a collective hope that the city commission would prioritize the continuation of this program, ensuring that young skiers can maintain their access to the slopes without financial barriers.