Robert Livermore Aquatic Center Retires Water Slide

LIVERMORE, CA — The 22-foot slide at the Robert Livermore Aquatics Center is slip slidin’ away after 20 years of use, the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District announced.

In a news release, LARPD said that the slide, which has been closed since July, is beyond repair and will be retired.

"The slide at RLAC has been a central feature of our aquatics center for the past 20 years, providing joy and memories for generations of residents," LARPD Community Services Manager Jill Kirk said in a statement. "Our staff has worked tirelessly to ensure its safety and functionality, but unfortunately, it has reached the end of its lifespan."

The long, winding slide has long been one of the center’s top attractions, hosting the annual polar bear plunge, and providing joy to countless children on hot summer days.

Commenters on a LARPD Facebook post expressed disappointment, and wondered why the decision was announced right before the summer, shortly after the city also announced it was canceling its 4th of July fireworks, rather than directly after the summer season. Others expressed gratitude that the district was prioritizing safety. Almost everyone asked whether the slide would be replaced.

LARPD said in the news release that plans for the future of the site are currently under consideration, but was not specific. “While details regarding potential replacements or renovations have not yet been finalized, the district remains committed to providing quality recreational amenities for the community,” they said.

"We're grateful for the years of enjoyment the slide has provided to our community," LARPD General Manager Mat Fuzie said. "As we look ahead, we're excited to continue serving the needs of our residents and creating new opportunities for recreation and leisure."