The Giant Slide at Mammoth Park is set to reopen Tuesday with additional safety measures.
The Mt. Pleasant Township complex featuring two 100-foot slides was temporarily closed in August after a few users reported injuries. It was shut down to allow time for safety inspections and county officials to investigate the injury claims.
Multiple safety inspections deemed the slides safe, but county officials pushed ahead with about $30,000 worth of improvements in the area surrounding them. Many of the injuries were related to improper use, according to county officials.
Parks officials encouraged users to adhere to safety protocols that will be posted at the slide in an announcement about Tuesday’s reopening on the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page.
Signage about the proper use of the slide, a rubberized surface, new cargo netting, handrails and barriers that separate the equipment from nearby rocks are among improvements made during the past 10 months. Security cameras have been installed.
Using wax paper, pans or other objects to sit on while using the slides are prohibited. One rider is allowed at a time.
The Giant Slide Complex includes two 100-foot stainless steel racing slides, a smaller 50-foot slide, climbing walls, walkways and landscaping. It was opened July 2 as part of $1.1 million in renovations at the park.
A 45-year-old, 96-foot-long slide at the park was demolished in late 2018 to make way for the new complex. That slide was straight and had been an attraction for those who live in the area since the 1970s.
