Cook County Forest Preserve sells toboggans on eBay

The Cook County Forest Preserve District plans to sell more than 150 used toboggans on eBay.

The last of the district's toboggan slides, at Swallow Cliff in Palos Park, were dismantled last year in a cost-cutting move.

But the district says that for any of the thousands of Chicago-area residents who enjoyed the runs, it's a chance to own a sentimental artifact.

And they're a bargain. The Forest Preserve toboggans are going for $20 each, or $10 for nonprofit groups, while new toboggans can cost $100 or more.

The idea of selling unusual used district items is not new to Maintenance Supervisor Len Dufkis. Old picnic tables are listed for $15 apiece, and more than 100 have been sold.

Before eBay, the district sold used vehicles, water pipes -- and wooden outhouses.

Some of the outhouses were bought as jokes, but others are being used as storage sheds and duck blinds, said district spokesman Steve Mayberry.