It is still an unknown fact to many out there that Freeheel skiers can slide hand rails, yet the urban scene has been rocking and rolling for quite some time now. Salt Lake City, Utah has been renowned as an urban Mecca since the day that snowboarders and skiers began grinding their edges on what was once used to assist in going up and down stairs. One of the best known places for people to go for an afternoon jib with friends is appropriately called The Rail Garden. The park boasts a series of small handrails, a few concrete ledges, and several other interesting features. Although not obviously designed for winter sliding, the park has become a haven for young kids that may not be able to afford a lift ticket or just want to practice hitting a rail.

As far as the freeheel scene goes their has been some activity by local Josh Madsen as well as some film crews including Falling Forward Films. FFF caught ripper Erin Young during the ’06 season greasing a 15 stair down rail, one of the only female freeheelers attempting urban handrails right now.

The field is wide open though for exploration in the area and this is a great spot to get warmed up and get a feel for the urban goodness that lies around the rest of the city.

Getting There: From downtown Salt Lake City take I -15 South to I -80 east. Follow I -80 East until it merges with I-215 going towards Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons. Stay on I-215 until the 4500 South Exit. Get off the exit and turn right. The entrance to the park is the first parking lot on the right, can’t miss it.

Features:

• 2 – 15 stair down rails
• 2 – 10 stair down rails (in-a-row)
• Concrete Ledge
• Various other features for your imagination