OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — The 36-year-old waterslide at Groveland Oaks has reached the end of its road, according to Oakland County officials.
Officials say depending on weather conditions, the slide will be removed in May. Last year, a structural inspection revealed the stair tower for the waterslide was not safe, closing the attraction during the 2018 season.
According to the inspection, the wood stair tower was eroded by water and winter weather.
Officials had originally planned to replace the waterslide, but poor soil conditions at the site "more than doubled the original estimated replacement cost of $300,000" -- compared to $64,208 to remove the slide.
“We understand the waterslide was popular at Groveland Oaks for more than 30 years. It was constructed during a time when the parks system was in its active construction phase. And now we are in our maintenance and deferred maintenance phase, taking the best possible care of the 13 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails and 7,000 acres,” Stencil said. “At the end of the day, the parks commission must balance how to serve the most residents and visitors, stay on track with recreation trends, be fiscally sustainable and look to the future of the parks system.”
The 30-foot-tall waterslide, featuring a 360-degree spiral that emptied into Stewart Lake, was constructed in 1983. Restorations were made in 2014 and 2016 to the slide flumes and stair tower.
Check out the Oakland County Parks FAQs below for more information:
Groveland Oaks Campground Improvement Project FAQ by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
