Pause on Capitol Sledding Ban Sought by Eleanor Holmes Norton

With 4 to 8 inches of snow expected in the District tomorrow, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and others are making a last-minute push to give kids a chance to sled near the Capitol.

This afternoon, Norton asked the head of the U.S. Capitol Police, Frank Larkin, to temporarily allow sledding on the grounds of the Capitol.

“This could be the last snowstorm the D.C. area gets this winter, and may be one of the best for sledding in years,” Norton said in a statement. “Children and their parents should able to enjoy sledding on one of the best hills in the city … Have a heart, Mr. Larkin — a kid’s heart that is.”

Norton requested the sledding ban be lifted Thursday through Sunday.

Previously ignored, the sledding ban that dates back to the early ’80s, according to Norton’s office, was enforced again starting in mid-February. Capitol Police reportedly shooed away would-be sledders, The Wall Street Journal reported. A “Congressional grump” is to blame for requesting enforcement of the ban, a source told Roll Call.

In addition to Norton’s plea to let families coast down the Capitol’s hills, a petition was started this morning to urge officials to support the “children of D.C. (including those who are children at heart).” More than 251 people had signed as of 2:45 p.m. today.

Norton asked late last month for a lift of the sledding ban, calling it “Scrooge-like.”

Photo via Flickr/smarta