While the Town Council approved a special event application for a “Slide the City” event, nearly all council members expressed some reservation about the potential impact on the residential neighborhood where it is planned to take place.

Slide the City will roll out a 1,000-foot water slide down the hill on Palisades Boulevard between Sunflower and Lost Hills drives.

The planned date for the event is Saturday, April 25, and setup and removal of the slide will require a 24-hour closure of Palisades in both directions.

“I have some issues regarding the neighborhood,” Councilwoman Cassie Hansen said.

“I know there is frontage road access, but this is like a big party in their front yard, with very early setup and late knockdown.”

Hansen ultimately cast the lone no vote for the permit.

“I share some of (Hansen’s) concerns,” Councilman Henry Leger said. “I’m not sure anyone in this neighborhood is even aware of this at this time.

“I’m also concerned about getting people safely to and from the site, as well as people parking in the neighborhood.”

Town Recreation Supervisor Rachael Goodwin said it is not the intent to disrupt the neighborhood.

Access to the area will be for residents only. Parking will be available at the Fountain Hills High School, a relatively short distance, but crossing the intersection of Palisades and Golden Eagle would be required to get to the event from the high school.

Councilman Alan Magazine wondered about the range of pricing to participate on the giant slide ($15 to $55).

Goodwin said that allows for those who what a single trip down to slide, to multiple trips to an all-day pass. She said the pricing is comparable to a water park.

Councilman Dennis Brown, who was not at the meeting in person but participated telephonically, said he supported the event, but he would like to see staff and the applicant spend some time with the residents to address any concerns they might have.

Council members asked about other sites considered in a less residential setting. Goodwin said they reviewed sites on Golden Eagle (too steep), Avenue of the Fountains (not steep enough), Fountain Hills Boulevard (access and logistical concerns) and Sunridge Drive.

Goodwin was asked about Palisades between La Montana and Saguaro. She said that was rejected due to the Saguaro construction project, but said it remains a possibility if the event returns in the future.

Nichelle Jensen, a representative of Slide the City, said she understands that this area is more residential than they typically use.

“We are committed to making this a pleasant experience for Fountain Hills,” Jensen said.

Vice Mayor Cecil Yates could hardly contain his enthusiasm.

“I’m all for this, bring it on,” Yates said. “I’ll be there in my Speedo.”

Event basics

In her written report to the council, Goodwin outlined the basics of the event.

What is being billed as Fountain Hills/Scottsdale is the first of four events planned for Arizona this year. Slide the City is also working with Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.

The estimated turnout is expected to be a maximum of 4,000 people over the full day.

The water is circulated through the system using 12,000 to 16,000 gallons. The company has a staff water expert and pool technicians who test the water every 15 minutes.

Goodwin said they have worked with the Fountain Hills Sanitary District and Maricopa County for the proper approval for the water use and disposal.

There will be a tent on site for emergency medical personnel.

There will be vendors and food trucks available for those attending, parked in the southbound lanes between Lost Hills and Sunflower.

The schedule for the event begins with closure of the street as of 12 a.m. with set-up of the slide and equipment beginning at 4 a.m.

The event opens for the public at 11 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m.

With an hour to clear out all participants, the full clean-up and tear down begins at 7 p.m. with the street to reopen at 11:59 p.m.

Personnel may be on site until 4 a.m. for additional clean-up.

Slide the City is based in Salt Lake City.