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Manhattanites Hit the Snow-Covered Hills in Central Park

By DNAinfo Staff on February 26, 2010 3:43pm  | Updated on February 26, 2010 3:24pm

Margaret, John and Will Casson sled down Cedar Hill.
Margaret, John and Will Casson sled down Cedar Hill.
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Nicole Breskin/DNAinfo

By Nicole Breskin

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

CENTRAL PARK — While Manhattan’s streets were empty during the snowstorm, Central Park's snowcapped white hills were full of New Yorkers who turned out in packs to sled, ski and snowboard.

Cedar Hill near E. 79th Street and and Pilgrim Hill near E. 72nd Street were blanketed in nearly three feet of snow, drawing hundreds of local Upper West and Upper East Siders on Friday.

Fans said the slopes are surprisingly good for an urban landscape.

“It’s like we’re not even in Manhattan anymore,” said Upper West Sider Jill Kafka, dressed in a ski coat and a beanie hat. “It’s this magical winter amusement park.”

Ciro Caso was worried he'd look odd sledding without a kid. But he says it was the most fun he's had in years.
Ciro Caso was worried he'd look odd sledding without a kid. But he says it was the most fun he's had in years.
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Nicole Breskin/DNAinfo

Kafka was watching her daughter, Lily, sled down Cedar Hill. She said she sometimes gets nervous because the incline is so steep. But she reminded herself that it's all part of the fun of childhood.

Upper East Sider Chloe Evans, 9, was stoked to snowboard down the park’s hills. She said it was her way of getting at least a little closer to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

“I’ve been watching the snowboarders on TV,” said Chloe, while struggling to stand in place on her own board that was wobbling. “Now I can do winter sports a little too.”

Amongst the packs of parents who were enjoying their snow day with their children, some fun-loving grownups got into the act.

“I was worried about coming without a kid,” said Upper East Sider Ciro Caso, who took advantage of his the day off from a production company to sled down Central Park's hills.

“I though I might look like some sort of weirdo. But you know what, I don’t care. This is the most fun I’ve had in years.”