Giant slides at Mammoth Park to remain closed 2 more weeks
The Giant Slide at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant will remain closed for at least two more weeks as Westmoreland County officials await safety reports from two independent investigators.
Public Works Director Greg McCloskey reaffirmed Wednesday that officials believe the matching 100-foot metal slides are safe. Four of the five injuries attributed to the slides during the first month they were open since early July were caused by riders who disregarded safety warnings, he said.
“I expect to have an answer by the end of next week, but we don’t think the they will be reopened for a couple more weeks,” McCloskey said. “We are working with the design firm and manufacturer in seeking certification that they were made according to requirements. I am confident it was built to specifications.”
County officials are also working with the state’s Department of Agriculture to ensure the ride meets existing standards.
The new racing slides, and a small 50-foot slide for smaller children, were part of a two-year $1.1 million renovation project at 400-acre Mammoth Park and replaced a 96-foot slide that had been in use since the 1970s.
The new slides were made in Germany and shipped by boat to the United States before being installed earlier this year.
According to rules for the new slides posted on the county website and at the park, riders are warned the county will not assume liability for injuries caused by use of the slide and that wax paper, burlap, water or similar items should not be used as ride enhancements.
“Using slide enhancement materials may expose the user to serious injury including but not limited to broken bones, concussions, paralysis, or death, according to the posted rules.
Closure signs and wrapping used to cover the slides became unsuccessful in keeping riders off the equipment since it was temporarily shut down in early August.
McCloskey said additional fencing was erected this week around the slide complex to ensure that it remains unused during the investigation.
Rich Cholodofsky is a TribLive reporter covering Westmoreland County government, politics and courts. He can be reached at rcholodofsky@triblive.com.
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