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By Jaedda Armstrong
VIRGINIA BEACH
What could make the Oceanfront more fun and kid-friendly? City Council members agree that a giant colorful waterslide named the Hippo might do the trick.
On Tuesday, Mike Eason, the city's resort administrator, pitched the idea to the council and proposed an area on the Oceanfront near 24th Street as the location for the slide. The Hippo is the world's largest water slide model, according to manufacturer FreeStyle Slides' Web site, and it's designed on the same scale as attractions in theme and water parks.
Eason likened the attraction to "a huge Slip 'n Slide."
The slide will be about 168 feet long, 45 feet wide and 35 feet tall. Sliders won't be let out into the ocean; there is an enclosed landing at the bottom of the slide.
If the council approves, the city will solicit bids and find out who is interested in operating the water slide. The operator also will be responsible for providing the slide.
So far, said Eason, three operators have expressed interest in bidding for the franchise. The slide would be open on the Oceanfront from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from May 29 through Sept. 6. The water slide will be deflated, folded and stored each evening, Eason said. The operator will reimburse the city for all utilities, and will provide the city with $2 million liability coverage.
Popular resort cities such as Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Daytona Beach, Fla., already have tourists sliding down the Hippo, he said.
"I've spoken to people at the other beaches, and they all gave glowing remarks," Eason told the council.
The council had no objections Tuesday to the project. A final council vote has not yet been scheduled.
Councilman John Uhrin, whose district includes the Oceanfront, said the slide would be a great addition to the area and the proposed location would not obscure hotel visitors' view of the beach.
""We're always looking for fun amenities for people out of town," he said. "The franchise fees collected will also help the city."
Councilwoman Rosemary Wilson agreed.
"It sounds like fun," she said. "I know I remember Slip 'n Slide."
Jaedda Armstrong, (757)222-5110, jaedda.armstrong@pilotonline.com
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They should build a slide on
They should build a slide on the side of Mount Trashmore. Use it as a water slide in the summer and as a snow slide in the winter. Bet the city could reap some cash from that.
ha!
The first North Easter to blow in you will see this thing rollin' down the beach (what beach?) toward Nags Head...
Where's my camera....
proposed water slide
This is the most ridiculous, tacky, classless thing I have ever heard of. Is this really what we want VB to be known for? One thing that is great about VB is that it is NOT Myrtle Beach or (heaven forbid) Seaside Heights, NJ or Ocean City MD. So much has been done in the past 5-10 years to enhance our image and make VB a wonderful place -- this is taking it in the wrong direction.
And has the council not noticed that we lost about 100 feet of beach during the "November Noreaster"? It's crowded enough on holidays and weekends in the summer when we had more beach. We don't need this monstrosity taking up beach space and causing noise pollution. And where exactly are the tourists to park near 24th St?
I think it is a good idea,
I think it is a good idea, gives something for tourists and people at the beach to do.. There really isn't that much things for younger kids to do at the oceanfront..
ridiculous, tacky, classless?
Have you ever looked at Atlantic Avenue?
Uh...has anyone been down
General Booth recently.
You know....Ocean Breeze?
"Ocean Breeze Waterpark offers 16 waterslides, the 1 million-gallon Runaway Bay wave pool, the Buccaneer Bay Water Playground and other fantastic attractions. Enjoy our private poolside cabanas, Island Trader Gift Shop or any of our annual events and daily activities!"
Where are the brains of our rulers?
We don't need an oversized blowup toy on our Beach. Tacky and redundant.
Blowup
I think A large blowup jackass would be more appropriate.
PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE....
...build the Hippo at the beach!!!...I really need another thing to joke VB about...and since Myra left office...I've run out of material...
Wrong place
This should be placed down at 31st street near the PARK the citizens voted for and accessable to the PARKING GARAGE the citizens are paying for.
Awesum sight to see this attraction right next to the king neptune monument.
Did any of you people read the article?
The winning bidder will pay for the slide, its operation, and the insurance. NOT THE CITY!!! What part of bids do you not understand?
The past regime set so many restrictions at the beach it is no longer fun to even go there. Because of the restrictions, I stopped bringing my family there a long time ago. I thought the beach was a place to take your “family”, or “friends” and have some fun.
OHHH, NO, you’re not allowed to have any fun at Virginia Beach, but you are welcome to come down, spend your hard earned money just to sit on it and look at the ocean. Oh what fun that is!