New Jersey Dad Builds Ice Luge In Backyard
CRANFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A family in Cranford, New Jersey is doing some fancy sledding this winter, all thanks to their devoted dad who took it upon himself to create something on his own.
As CBS2's Scott Rapoport reported, breaking out the sleds and hitting the hills is the coolest part of winter for kids.
But how about your own personal luge course -- 55-feet-long -- right in your very own yard?
"Anytime you want hot cocoa, no more than 5 feet away at any given time," said Joe Colangelo.
The luge course is the brainchild of Colangelo. He built it for his children -- 4-year-old James, 3-year-old Evelyn and 10-month-old Margaret.
"(Why?) We're all stuck in this winter together, we might as well have some fun with it," he said.
Colangelo's neighbors said they are awe-struck.
"It's excellent. I can't believe he had such dedication," said Heather Priestley.
Colangelo said it took him about three weeks to make it all happen. He started small, and then went bigger and bigger.
Soon, others in the neighborhood were coming by to try it, including CBS2's Rapoport.
"I'm really not so sure this is a good idea," Rapoport said before the push-off.
When Colangelo posted a home video of his creation on YouTube, it went viral with more than 900,000 views.
Colangelo said to keep the course frozen and in optimum working order, he sprays water on it with shower nozzles from his bathroom window.
CBS2 gently pointed out to Colangelo that his kids were not wearing helmets. He said safety is very important to him, but that on TV the hills look faster and the banks look steeper than they really are, and that his kids are fine.
