The Scoop on The Giant Water Slide That’s Coming to Cape Town

We look into the rumours that one of the largest aqua playgrounds in the world is set to invade the city’s streets this summer

Do note that this event has been postponed.

By now you’ve probably heard rumours that Slide the City, one of the longest commercial water slides in the world, is making its way to our lovely seaside metropolis to add a splash of fun to the 2015/2016 summer months. You’ve also probably noticed that there is much speculation around how exactly the 304m-long slide, which will be set up in the streets of Cape Town’s CBD, will work, if it actually makes it here at all. Although detailed information will officially be released on 1 September 2015 to answer everyone’s questions, we’ve had a chat with Edmund Beukes, marketing manager at Huisgenoot magazine (one of the organising bodies), in the meantime to get a better idea of what Cape Town can expect from this thrilling instalment.

Edmund has confirmed that the folk at Huisgenoot, YOU and DRUM magazines, who have taken it upon themselves to bring the huge aqua playground to Mzansi, are now in the final planning stages, and there is a 90% chance that the three lane-wide slide, which has its roots in the USA, will make it to Cape Town for a brief period in mid-December. Should this happen, it will be the first time a water slide of this magnitude has landed on African soil. The slippery feature will also invade six other cities in South Africa, and the overarching aim is simply to give city inhabitants the chance to have the time of their lives under the sun.

The family-oriented publications are no strangers to organising events, and Edmund explains that they saw a gap in the market for happenings that cater to most age ranges and diverse communities. “There are very few family-friendly events that strip down race, religion, age and politics, but Slide the City does just that – it literally is just about fun,” he explains.

And how exactly will it work? Well, participants will receive inflatables that they can use to cruise down the slippery slide, which is made from durable vinyl and will span three whole blocks. The location, which is yet to be announced to the public, was selected as it has just the right slope and width for the slide and is found in a part of the CBD that’s a little quieter, so there won’t be too much impact on traffic. Open on weekends for a short spell during summer, Slide the City will be an outdoor activity that features food and drink stalls and entertainment for people from every part of the Mother City.

Although many people are waiting in anticipation for the hydro chute to swing into action, there have been concerns raised over the issues of safety, hygiene and water conservation. Luckily, the organisers of Slide the City have factored these matters into their planning. The one-of-a-kind fun machine uses a pump that will ensure that water is transported all the way back to the slide’s starting point and then re-used. Those worried about germs can take comfort in the fact that pH levels will be regularly checked and maintained to keep nasty bacteria at bay. And with regards to safety, there will be paramedics and security on standby. “This isn’t a run-of-the-mill slippery slide at a school. This is a top-class installation,” says Edmund.

There’s so much more in the pipeline (we just have to wait for 1 September to know exactly what’s in store for us), but what we can hold on to for now is the fact that this slide will offer us another way to enjoy the streets of Cape Town and, in Edmund’s words, encourage all of us to start “owning our city”.

Tip: While there will be no weight limit for the slide, participants will need to be at least 1.2 meters tall to join in on the slippery fun. For more information about the slide concept, visit the official website, slidethecitysa.co.za.

The Bill: Slide the City will work on a ticket system, and folk will be able to choose between different ticket types. We have been told that prices will generally be affordable.

Water park option: While the super slide is not yet open to the public, you can still get your watery kicks on at the Waterworld Strand water park.

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Looking for other family-friendly activities? Here are 50 super cool things to do with kids in Cape Town and surrounds.

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