Slide The City: Thousand Foot Slide To Stop In Metro Detroit This Summer

George Fox
@georgejfox

So you've heard about this Slide The City event slated to drench Metro Detroit residents? Thinking about going? Here's what is known so far.

When and where? That's still not confirmed yet, but we'll let you know when we know.

What Is Slide The City?

It's summed up pretty well by the snazzy promo video showing loads of people sliding, spinning, smiling, dancing and generally having loads of fun on a super long slip and slide. That aside, here's my take.

The massive slippery water feature is installed on a gradual incline to encourage a moderate speed as seen on multiple fan videos. Depending on the actual conditions and grade the speed should vary quite a bit. Some riders in other cities have complained of not having enough speed to make it all the way down.

The company travels the world with their slide and they don't seem to take themselves too seriously. According to their official site's About Us blurb, "We like to think of ourselves as carney workers, without the mullets and the missing teeth." Nice. :)

The location appears to be set for the Plymouth Red Roof Inn (39700 Ann Arbor Rd.), but check the website before heading out for the latest details.

Get Passes

No tickets can be purchased yet, but you can sign up for updates via email. You can save a few bucks with early registration. $15 will get you one ride and three rides is $50. VIP gets you in one hour earlier and one extra hour after the slide is closed. Late and regular registration is a bit more. Get full rate info.

You'll have the choice of a tube or a pool inflatable to ride on if you don't want to slide on your body.

A mixture of soap and 12,000 to 16,000 gallons water are applied to 1000 feet of vinyl with padding underneath for comfort. 1000 feet is more than three football fields in case you were wondering. Organizers work with local officials to be responsible about the waste water generated.

Rules

Riders must be at least 46 inches tall and at least 5 years old. Riders younger than 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver.

Riders will get a mouthguard they are required to wear. Non-realistic water guns are allowed. GoPro or similar action cameras and selfie sticks are encouraged.

Parting Thoughts

The waiver contains some mysterious and scary language including the words, "other fluids" and potential injuries including near-drowning, drowning and death. Yikes, but things like this are naturally a little dangerous. Nothing risked, nothing gained I always say. (I don't actually say that.)

If you're wishy washy about taking the plunge, maybe some swag will change your mind? Probably not, but each paying rider will get a tattoo (temporary we hope) and a drawstring bag.

Have you been to one of these events? What did you think? If you haven't gone are you considering it? What's holding you back? Leave a comment and let me know.

George Fox is a Spartan, a Michigander, and Web Producer for CBS 62/CW50 in Detroit. When he's not working on content for the CBS Local websites, he's probably hanging out on the boat, at deer camp or spending quality time with the fam.