This may be the last, and for some, first time, this winter you've had a good excuse to dust off the sleds and get outside.

With the recent snowfall, Stony Creek Metropark, which extends across Oakland and Macomb, will be a haven for winter sports enthusiasts for it's variety of fun and family friendly options.

There are several sledding, tobogganing and snowboarding hills at West Branch and Gladeview picnic areas.

Snowboards are permitted on one designated hill in Gladeview. No sledding and tobogganing is allowed after 6 p.m.

The Nature Center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on the weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends.

The 500-acre Stony Creek Lake is a hot spot for ice fishers looking to catch pan fish, bass, pike and walleye.

An iceskating rink is cleared at the boat launch, whether permitting. For rink conditions call the Stony Creek Metropark office at 586-781-4242.

Also, there are more than 13 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails. The Golf Starter Building has been transformed into a heated ski lounge, with restrooms, food service and ski rentails. The Ski Touring center will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. 

The winter park hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.