Akron’s downtown streets will once again be transformed into a giant water park this summer when Slide the City returns in August.
The company announced Tuesday that Akron — along with Cincinnati — will be the two Ohio cities to host the giant 780-foot-long traveling water slide.
Akron will host the giant water slide on Aug. 20.
The water attraction, which resembles an enormous childhood Slip ’N Slide, sold out when it took over downtown Akron’s University Avenue last August.
Some 3,000 people waited as long as 45 minutes to ride the slide from University at Buchtel Avenue down to Main Street near Lock 3 Park.
Organizers say the slide will once again return to University Avenue.
Last year, the Akron slide route was billed as one of the steepest the company had ever set up.
Prices range from $10 for a single slide for those who register early to $40 for unlimited rides.
Organizers warn the event will likely sell out and prices could rise as it gets closer to the day the slide arrives in Akron.
To register, visit www.slidethecity.com/location/akron online.
Billed as a water festival with music and food and drinks, sliders are encouraged to bring along water buckets, floats for the slide and water guns “to squirt, spray, splash” others as they glide along the slide that stretches just over two football fields.
The vinyl slide has padding along the sides so participants don’t slide off.
“Akron is an awesome addition to our schedule this year,” said John Malfatto, Slide the City co-owner, in a statement. “The event directors are excited to bring the community together through this aqueous event.”
Craig Webb can reached at cwebb@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3547.