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Detroit's Belle Isle Slide Opens Again, Now Safer for Riders
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People ride the newly reopened Giant Slide at Belle Isle in Detroit on Friday, July 19, 2024. (Neo Hopkins/Detroit News via AP)

Detroit's Belle Isle Slide Opens Again, Now Safer for Riders

July 19th, 2024

The iconic Giant Slide at Belle Isle state park in Detroit has welcomed thrill-seekers once again after being closed for two years. The slide had become notorious back in 2022 after riders were seen flying off the bumps in viral videos, even attracting national attention on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and inspiring a song about the potentially dental-damaging risks by Detroit rapper Gmac Cash. In response to the past frenzy, the Department of Natural Resources decided to make the ride safer by introducing padding and providing new sacks for riders while removing the wax to prevent the excessive speed that led to the previous incidents. With the slide's return, visitors like 11-year-old Eliseah Griffin experienced excitement mixed with a hint of fear. However, some, like 66-year-old Lorraine Edwards, felt that the slide had lost its edge and excitement without the wax, making the ride too tame. Despite the mixed reviews, the reopening of the Giant Slide has been a source of anticipation and happiness for locals, evidenced by the joyful reaction of Meagan Elliott, president of the Belle Isle Conservancy. The reopening signifies not just the return of a beloved amusement but also a nod to public safety improvements.
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šŸ’­ Discussion Questions


1
. What measures were taken to improve safety on the Giant Slide at Belle Isle state park, and what impact did these measures have on the public perception of the ride?
2
. How did the Giant Slide gain national attention in 2021, and what subsequent actions were taken by the Department of Natural Resources?
3
. Discuss the diverse reactions from visitors upon the reopening of the Giant Slide. How does this reflect the balance between safety concerns and the desire for an exciting amusement experience?

šŸ“– Vocabulary


šŸŒ Cultural context


The article is from Detroit, United States, where Belle Isle state park is located. The park is popular for summer leisure. "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" is a late-night TV show, and Gmac Cash is a local cultural reference to Detroit's hip-hop scene. Public safety and amusement park nostalgia are pertinent themes.

šŸ§  Further reading


United States amusement park accidents
At amusement parks, the thrill and excitement may sometimes be interrupted by serious injuries or even fatalities. These incidents are generally reported to the proper authorities as mandated by regulations, with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission collecting data specifically on amusement ride accidents. Authority and reporting practices, however, can differ across international borders. The main factors contributing to accidents at amusement parks include: guests' noncompliance with safety instructions or intentional breaking of park rules, health issues a guest might have, or negligence from the park's staff, whether this is through improper operation of rides or failure to adhere to maintenance protocols. Over the years, statistics have shown varying numbers in terms of such incidents. From 1987 to 2000, there was an average of approximately 4.5 deaths annually related to amusement ride accidents. Between 1990 and 2004, records indicated 52 deaths connected to these rides, averaging out to 3.7 deaths per year. Interestingly, each day of the peak season from May through September from 1990 to 2010, there was an average of 20 injuries among minors that resulted in hospital treatment. More recently, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions reported 1,204 injuries in 2011 at over 400 parks, and in 2019, 1,299 injuries were specifically recorded in the U.S. The list of parks with reported accidents spans both domestic and international locations, including Disney, Herschend, LEGOLAND, Premier Parks Properties, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Universal, Warner Bros., as well as various independent and European parks. The industry is not without oversight and regulation. ASTM F2291 sets the standard for the design of amusement rides and devices, aiming to ensure safety across the board. Additionally, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attrays is a resource, as is the Amusement Safety Organization. For more granular information, the Orlando Sentinel maintains a searchable database that details amusement park incidents

Impact of the Eras Tour
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is not just a musical phenomenon but a force that has left a significant mark on culture, economy, and politics worldwide. Celebrated as "The Greatest Show on Earth," it surpasses all previous tours in earnings and influence. The excitement surrounding Swift's return to live performances after the pandemic led to a surge in ticket demand. Registrations for tickets experienced astonishing numbers, especially for the Singapore leg, where over 22 million hopefuls queued online. Ticket sales in the United States, however, became the subject of political debate after system outages and price hikes. In response, bipartisan lawmakers suggested new regulations to manage pricing and prevent ticket scalping. This policy shift, brought about by what some referred to as Swift's impact, echoed across international legislative hallsā€”from Brazil to the United Kingdomā€”where concerns over ticket pricing were also raised. The tour's economic ripple effects are palpable. Cities hosting the concerts see boosts in various sectors, including local businesses, the hospitality industry, clothing retailers, public transport, and tourism. It's estimated that in the U.S. alone, consumer spending might reach a staggering $4.6 billion. To celebrate Swift's influence, several global cities have renamed landmarks or areas temporarily, and numerous tourist attractions have organized special tributes. Swift's influence even extends to international politics, with leaders such as Canadaā€™s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chileā€™s President Gabriel Boric openly inviting her to perform in their nations. Similarly, high-ranking officials from countries like Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand have expressed a desire for Swift to include them in her tour itinerary. The Eras Tour has thus cemented Taylor Swift's status as a cultural icon with the power to move not just fans but entire economies and political agendas.

Palais Royale
The Palais Royale is a significant residential skyscraper currently under development in Worli, Mumbai. Soaring to 320 meters, this building has already achieved the status of being the tallest structure in India to reach its maximum height. However, its faƧade and interior necessitate further work, and its expected finish date has been pushed back from the end of 2023 to the end of 2024 due to legal issues and other external factors. The land on which this ambitious skyscraper is being built was originally owned by Shree Ram Mills Ltd. Construction permits were issued back in 2005, and the building process began three years later in 2008. However, the project faced several interruptions. Non-governmental organizations Janhit Manch and UHRF from Delhi filed public interest litigation against the project, alleging irregularities. These issues were ultimately resolved in October 2019 when the Supreme Court of India provided a judgment that dismissed the allegations, suggesting they were not genuine or consistent. There was also an implication that these legal battles may have been instigated by vested interests from competitors, specifically mentioned was Mufatraj Munot of Kalpataru Builders. The project faced another hurdle when it was put up for auction in May 2019 but found no takers. A later auction garnered more interest and the property was sold to a company named Honest Shelters for ā‚¹ 705 crore. Upon its completion, the skyscraper is set to offer 153 luxurious apartments, with sizes ranging from 740 to 1,300 square meters. Overall, the construction of the Palais Royale represents not just a landmark addition to Mumbai's skyline but also reflects on the challenges real estate developments may encounter, including litigation and market responses. Upon its completion, along with the grandeur of its apartments, it will certainly make its mark on lists cataloging the tallest buildings not just in Mumbai or India, but potentially in Asia and across the globe.