The giant slide in Detroit, Michigan, that was forced to close after viral footage showed children being launched into the air has reopened, with a tutorial video from staff showing people how to use it safely. Watch the clip here:
The Giant Slide in Michigan’s Belle Isle Park was closed after only four hours of being open, following concerns over safety.
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Video footage showed people being thrown into the air and back onto the steel slide as they made their way down, with eyewitness Kenyatta McAdney telling ABC13: "What I noticed was the impact they were hitting the ground with coming off the hills.
"If they would have kept riding on that slide, somebody would have got hurt."
McAdney's child added: "I was going down way faster than I thought I was. Gravity hurts."
It didn't look like that youngster was the only one who was left feeling a little rattled, either - watch others getting tossed about while riding the chaotic slide here:
After being scrubbed and sprayed with water to help control the speed at which riders descended, the ride has since reopened – but not without the park also issuing some crucial safety advice.
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In a tutorial posted to the park’s Facebook page, a staff member explained: “I’m gonna show you how to ride the Giant Slide.
“So first things, we’re gonna take a seat on the steel – we don’t want you to slip on the slide before you’re ready – then get your whole body, as much of it as you can, into the sack.
“Wait for any other riders, wait for the ranger to say ‘Go ahead’, and then scooch off on your butt.“
He also instructed people to lean forward before setting off, adding: “And stay leaning forward and hold on tight.”
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The post from 21 August added in the caption: “Hello Giant Slide Riders. We are closed today due to rainy weather however, we have scrubbed down the surface and started to spray a little water on the slide between rides to help control the speed. It seems to be working well so please come out and give it a try.
“We plan to run it for the next 2 weeks, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 3pm. Just $1 for a ride!
“You must be 48" or taller. Please follow the operators instructions when riding, remember to lean forward.
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“See you at the Giant Slide!”
A viral video showing the ride before the attraction was closed left social media users aghast, with many fearing that something wasn’t quite right with the design.
A statement from Joel Thomas, Belle Isle supervisor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, read: "Hopefully, after our small adjustment we will be back up and running and the slide will be slower for more enjoyment.
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"For this evening, we're giving it a little scrub down, and we will be back open at 11 tomorrow.”
Fingers crossed the extra measures – and safety advice for riders – do the trick.
Topics: US News
Jess Hardiman