What’s the perfect way to spend a hot August day?
How about a 1,000 foot long water slide?
Approximately 4,400 people of all ages gathered on Colorado Springs’ 21st Street on August 15 for the first Slide the City event in Colorado Springs. The slide ran from south of Lower Gold Camp Road to Argus Drive.
Slide the City is a for-profit business that partners with local non-profit organizations to raise money to benefit the community. The Utah-based business holds events all over the county.
This year, Slide the City partnered with UpaDowna, a local group whose mission is to “provide access to outdoor adventures for all through events and programs that empower individuals, create healthier communities, and foster a respect for the environment.” UpaDowna’s name is inspired by the phrase, “Up a mountain, down a beer,” and what they consider a “celebration of the classic adventurer’s tradition.”
Ticket prices ranged from $25 for three slides to $65 for unlimited slides along with a tube and other gear. Slide the City needs to sell 2,500 to 3,000 tickets to recover expenses that include traffic control, water costs, location fees, and more. UpaDowna was originally allotted to receive from $4,000 to $6,000 for the event, but, following the huge popularity increase, is now to be given between $5,000 and $7,000. In total, Slide the City collected more than $100,000.
The 24 foot by 1,000 foot slide closed 21st Street for the entire day, along with Bear Creek Dog Park. El Paso County used the day to do maintenance work on the park, supported by a $3,000 donation from Slide the City. Prior to the event many residents complained about the inconvenience the road closure would cause, as 21st Street is the main access route to the Skyway area. However, after the event, residents replied that the traffic congestion was minimal.
The three-lane slide began with a hill that flattened out towards the end. Attendees raved about the family friendly fun that the slide provided. Rees Folaron, a Colorado Springs resident and high school senior, notes that it was an “excellent expenditure of time” and highly recommends Slide the City for “anyone who has some free time and is looking for a good time, so long as they don’t mind getting wet in the process.” Many others have expressed an interest in Slide the City returning in coming years.
As of now, the business plans on continuing the partnership with UpaDowna next year.