The Spovangelist

Search “slip and slide” on YouTube and one thing becomes abundantly clear: kids of all ages can’t get enough of this silly summer fun. Boredom, young people and hot weather are the three key ingredients that spawn slip ‘n slides all across the country. I propose that we in Spokane build the world’s largest, cascading down one lane on Monroe St. where it climbs up into the South Hill.

First a local flooring company would take advantage of this publicity stunt of a lifetime by volunteering to roll a couple carpet pads down the hill. They could be used, donated, recalled, whatever. Then Firefighters or Parks or some other agency along with neighborhood volunteers would line the lane with sand bags to create a berm to keep people on track. Cabella’s or The General Store could pitch in some tarps, or maybe some used pool liners or rolls of industrial plastic would do the trick. Last, we’d pump water from the bottom to the top, creating a closed loop system that conserves the aquifer. There is a local pump company on Trent that could probably be talked into the task.

People would have to sign waivers before experiencing The Great Spokane Slide. Roll up plastic sleds or garbage bags would be provided to avoid friction directly on the skin. Depending on the physics of how the slide is constructed, there might be a couple of “bail out points” in the middle of the course for those who decide that one hump is quite enough.

The benefits to the city and community at large would be multi-fold. First Spokane would gain national media recognition for pulling off such a feat. We would demonstrate our community fitness and ability to work together on creative projects that no one thought were possible. People around the country would come to know Spokane as a place where neighbors have imagination, like to think big, and know how to have some good old-fashioned fun.

If The Slide were ever constructed, turn-out would be overwhelming. People from all over the region would drive in to Spokane to witness the spectacle , and pay to participate. What do you think, $5-$10 per slide? In addition to attracting outsiders, The Slide would retain the business of locals that too often disappear to “the lake” in the summer, making downtown feel empty and actionless. No longer would Spokane families have to drive to Idaho to get their yearly water park fix - the Downtown Spokane community would step up to the plate providing this affordable world-class entertainment.

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