DETROIT – The beloved Giant Slide on Belle Isle which turned into a viral sensation in 2022 made its triumphant return Friday, July 19.
This time, it will be a little different.
Read: Infamous Belle Isle slide that used to hurt people reopens
The 40-foot-tall icon has been a popular summer attraction for decades. It originally opened in 1967 and has since left its mark on Detroit culturally and also on several people physically.
After taking a few years off due to COVID, the slide returned with a bang in 2022 and quickly went viral and gained international attention after sending people flying. An inspection that year led to a long list of safety changes, including staff training, slide testing, maintenance logs and more.
After addressing concerns from prior inspections, the Giant Slide passed its latest safety inspection July 2. In addition to the new padding and the replaced landing surface, other safety improvements introduced this year include wiring and lighting upgrades, secured fences, new bags for every rider, enhanced operating training and -- maybe most importantly -- no wax will be applied to the big slide.
“We don’t anyone to get injured,” said Tom Bassett, Urban District Supervisor. “I get the lore of the slide, ‘I’ve got this bump, I’ve got that bruise or this scar from riding down the slide.’ We want people to be able to experience it but go home at the end of the day without those bumps bruises and scars.”
Without the wax, it’s safer and slower, but unfortunately some riders stalled and became stuck on the slide.
“It sucked because it was too slow,” said one rider. “I was leaning forward.”
While it may be slower this year, Detroiters said the ride is worth it and it wouldn’t be summer without it.
“I grew up here in Detroit and my mom would bring me so I had to come back and pay tribute and so forth and do it again,” said Antoion DeBerry. “That’s why I’m here again.”
“I did everything you’re not supposed to,” said one rider. “It was amazing.”
The DNR said management teams and safety experts will be present when the slide opens to keep an eye on things and to make changes if needed.
More information on the Giant Slide and other attractions on Belle Isle can be found on the DNR’s website.