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Schlitterbahn Kansas City

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Coordinates: 39°07′15″N 94°48′15″W / 39.12083°N 94.80417°W / 39.12083; -94.80417
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Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City
LocationKansas City, Kansas, United States
Coordinates39°07′15″N 94°48′15″W / 39.12083°N 94.80417°W / 39.12083; -94.80417
OpenedJuly 15, 2009
ClosedSeptember 3, 2018
Area370 acres (1.5 km2)
Pools2 pools
Water slides14 water slides
Children's areas2 children's areas
Aerial photo of Schlitterbahn Kansas City in September 2018

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City was a water park that opened on July 15, 2009 in Kansas City, Kansas. It was announced in September 2005 by Schlitterbahn Waterparks. The 370-acre (1.5 km2), $750 million development included a nearly 40-acre (160,000 m2) waterpark, which is Schlitterbahn's fourth waterpark and its first outside Texas.

Groundbreaking took place September 18, 2007 on the land formerly occupied by the Wyandotte County Fairgrounds and the Unified Government courthouse annex, across Interstate 435 from the Kansas Speedway and Village West.

History

Phase 1 included the opening of 12 water attractions, 3 restaurants, and 2 shops. Of those attractions, three were purchased from the former Geauga Lake amusement park in Ohio.[1] Phase 2, named Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Resort was originally planned to include over 1,000 hotel rooms, a Scheels sporting goods store, and a Riverwalk area consisting of shops and restaurants on 300 acres surrounding the water park. Those plans were stalled and eventually abandoned due to the ongoing Great Recession.[2]. An expansion of the water park opened on April 30, 2011, with six new attractions. In 2018, the last operating season of the park, four attractions remained closed throughout the season after an audit by regulators found that each did not comply with the Kansas Amusement Ride Act.[3] The park did not open for the 2019 season.

Verrückt accident

On August 7, 2016, Caleb Schwab, the 10-year-old son of Kansas state representative Scott Schwab, died while riding Verrückt. The death occurred when the raft he was in went airborne at the lower bump and impacted a metal support of the netting, decapitating him.[4][5] The other two passengers, both women, were injured in the incident — one suffered a broken jaw, while the other suffered a facial bone fracture and needed stitches.[6] In the immediate aftermath, the park was closed pending an inspection.[4][7] Although the park reopened three days later, the ride remained closed.[6][8][9]

An investigation found that the boy, who weighed 74 pounds (34 kg), had been allowed to sit in the front of the raft, rather than between the two women accompanying him — one weighed 275 pounds (125 kg), while the other weighed 197 pounds (89 kg).[10] This led to an uneven weight distribution that contributed to the raft going airborne, despite the cumulative weight of 546 pounds (248 kg), less than the maximum recommended weight of 550 pounds (250 kg).[10] Engineers who inspected the ride also commented that the ride's netting, used in areas where riders travel up to 70 miles per hour (110 km/h), "posed its own hazard because a rider moving at high speeds could easily lose a limb if they hit it".[11] Their findings revealed that the use of the metal brace and netting system in the design,[12] along with the use of hook and loop straps to restrain the riders,[13] went against guidelines set by ASTM F-24 Committee on Amusement Ride and Devices.[14] According to the guidelines, Verrückt should have incorporated the use of a rigid over-the-shoulder restraint for riders,[13] and an upstop mechanism to prevent the rafts from going airborne.[15]

Potential sale to Cedar Fair

On June 13, 2019 Cedar Fair agreed to buy Schlitterbahn's two parks in New Braunfels and Galveston for a price of $261 million. Additionally, Cedar Fair had the option to buy the Kansas City location "for an additional $6 million" for up to 120 days.[16] Cedar Fair did not pursue purchasing the property within those 120 days and the park remains standing but not operating.

Attractions

All attractions are currently standing but not operating.

Bahnzai Pipeline[17]

Black Knight[18]

Blitz Falls[19]

Boogie Bahn[20]

Boogie Bay[21]

Cyclone[22]

Henry's Hideout[23]

Kinderhaven[24]

King Kaw[25]

Kristal Beach[26]

Kristal River[27]

Mighty Mo[28]

Pirate Ship at Henry's Hideout[29]

Raging River Tube Chute[30]

Soaring Eagle ZipLine[31]

Storm Blaster[32]

Torrent Beach[33]

Torrent Cove[34]

Torrent River[35]

Twister[36]

Whirlwind[37]

Wolfpack[38]

Verrückt

Main article: Verrückt (water slide)

In November 2012, Schlitterbahn Waterpark announced plans for the world's tallest and fastest water slide, Verrückt.[39] Designed by Schlitterbahn co-owner Jeff Henry, Verrückt was a three-person raft slide with an uphill section. The initial drop was a 17-story plunge with a five-story uphill section. At 168 feet 7 inches (51.38 m),[40] the starting point was taller than Niagara Falls[41] and reached a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). It opened on July 10, 2014, after multiple delays.[42]

On August 7, 2016, 10-year-old Caleb Schwab, the son of Kansas state representative Scott Schwab, was killed while riding Verrückt.[43] The ride was shut down indefinitely pending further investigation.[44][45][46] On November 22, the park announced that the ride would not reopen, and the slide would be decommissioned and torn down once the investigation was complete.[47][48]

On March 21, 2018, a Wyandotte County, Kansas grand jury indicted Schlitterbahn and three individuals, including a park co-owner, a ride designer and a former executive with the company, on multiple charges of negligence related to Schwab's death. The grand jury found there was probable cause in the accusation that the park knowingly hid design flaws with the ride, and concealed reports about rider injuries.[49][50] A judge dismissed the charges in February 2019.[51]

Demolition of the ride began on November 1, 2018.

References

  1. ^ Samavati, Shaheen (June 17, 2008). "Landmark Big Dipper attracts buyer for $5,000". Cleveland.com.
  2. ^ "Schlitterbahn water park's plans hurt by recession". The Hutchinson News. The Associated Press.
  3. ^ Vockrodt, Steve (July 10, 2018). "A month after Schlitterbahn's opening, four rides remain closed at the KCK water park". Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on July 28, 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Calvo, Amanda; Chan, Melissa (August 9, 2016). "What We Know About the Young Boy Decapitated on the World's Tallest Water Slide". Time. Archived from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2017.
  5. ^ Raine, Naja (August 9, 2016). "Caleb Schwab, 10, Decapitated in Water Slide Accident, Police Confirm". People. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  6. ^ a b Graflage, Stephanie; Pulley, Mary (August 8, 2016). "KCK police release details about water park tragedy; pastor provides statement on 10-year-old boy killed". WDAF. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016.
  7. ^ Shapiro, Emily (August 9, 2016). "Kansas Waterpark to Reopen Wednesday After Boy's Death". ABC News.
  8. ^ Campbell, Matt; Cronkleton, Robert; Adler, Eric (August 7, 2016). "Son of Kansas lawmaker dies on Verrückt slide at Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kan". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  9. ^ Olen, Helaine (August 8, 2016). "A Boy Died on This Water Slide—in One of the Many States That Barely Ensure That Rides Are Safe". Slate. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016.
  10. ^ a b West, Tara. "Verruckt Waterslide Death Result Of Poor Weight Distribution? Experts Say Caleb Schwab Should Have Been In Center Seat". Insquistr. Archived from the original on August 21, 2016.
  11. ^ Vockrodt, Steve; Canon, Scott; Bergen, Katy. "The making of Schlitterbahn's Verruckt water slide: Too much, too fast?". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017.
  12. ^ Vockrodt, Steve; Rizzo, Tony; Baurer, Laura; Rice, Glenn E. (March 23, 2018). "Schlitterbahn corporation, ex-manager indicted in Verruckt water slide death". Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on March 25, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  13. ^ a b "State of Kansas v. Tyler Austin Miles, Schlitterbahn Waterpark of Kansas City, Kansas". March 28, 2018. pp. 16–17. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018. According to ASTM, hook-and-loop material should never be used as a safety device on an amusement ride. The correct restraint system for a ride like Verrückt would be a Class 5 restraint consisting of rigid overhead shoulder bars with a locking lap restraint.
  14. ^ "ASTM International". www.waterparks.org. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
  15. ^ "State of Kansas v. Tyler Austin Miles, Schlitterbahn Waterpark of Kansas City, Kansas". March 28, 2018. p. 16. Archived from the original on March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2018. The rafts were designed and constructed without any "upstop" mechanisms to prevent rafts from going airborne. Upstop mechanisms have been used for decades and are common safety features in the amusement ride industry.
  16. ^ Evans, Matt. "Cedar Fair, parent company of Worlds of Fun, purchases Texas Schlitterbahn waterparks, with rights to KCK property". KMBC-9 News Staff. KMBC-9. Archived from the original on June 13, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  17. ^ "Bahnzai Pipeline | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  18. ^ "Black Knight Tube Slide | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  19. ^ "Blitz Falls | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  20. ^ "Boogie Bahn | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  21. ^ "Boogie Bay | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Par". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  22. ^ "Cyclone downhill channel ride at Schlitterbahn Kansas City". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  23. ^ "Henry's Hideout | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  24. ^ "Kinderhaven | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  25. ^ "King Kaw | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  26. ^ "Kristal Beach | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  27. ^ "Kristal River | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  28. ^ "Mighty Mo | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  29. ^ "Pirate Ship at Henry's Hideout | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  30. ^ "Raging River Tube Chute | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  31. ^ "Soaring Eagle ZipLine | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  32. ^ "Storm Blaster | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  33. ^ "Torrent Beach | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  34. ^ "Torrent Cove | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  35. ^ "Torrent River Endless Float Experience". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  36. ^ "Grab a mat and get ready for the Twister at Schlitterbahn Kansas City". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  37. ^ "Whirlwind Tube Slide at Schlitterbahn Kansas City". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  38. ^ "Wolfpack Tube Slide | Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park". Schlitterbahn.com. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018. Retrieved November 1, 2018.
  39. ^ "World's tallest water coaster coming to Schlitterbahn Kansas City". Amusement Today. November 20, 2012. Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
  40. ^ "All NEW Verrückt". Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts. Archived from the original on April 6, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  41. ^ "World's Tallest Waterside graphic". Archived from the original on May 29, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  42. ^ Eveld, Edward (July 9, 2014). "Schlitterbahn:First riders on Verrückt at Schlitterbahn love the 'rush' (with video)". The Kansas City Star. The McClatchy Company. Archived from the original on July 12, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  43. ^ Raine, Naja (August 9, 2016). "Caleb Schwab, 10, Decapitated in Water Slide Accident, Police Confirm". People. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  44. ^ Graflage, Stephanie; Pulley, Mary (August 8, 2016). "KCK police release details about water park tragedy; pastor provides statement on 10-year-old boy killed". WDAF. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  45. ^ Campbell, Matt; Cronkleton, Robert; Adler, Eric. "Son of Kansas lawmaker dies on Verrückt slide at Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kan". The Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  46. ^ Olen, Helaine (August 8, 2016). "A Boy Died on This Water Slide—in One of the Many States That Barely Ensure That Rides Are Safe". Slate. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  47. ^ "Schlitterbahn announces intent to close Verrückt water slide following August death of Caleb Schwab". fox4kc.com. November 22, 2016. Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  48. ^ Schlitterbahn News Room. "Statement Regarding Verrückt". Archived from the original on November 23, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2016. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  49. ^ "Court documents detail alleged negligence in design of Schlitterbahn water slide that killed 10-year-old". fox4kc.com. March 23, 2018. Archived from the original on March 24, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  50. ^ Brocchetto, Marilia; Gray, Melissa (March 27, 2018). "Kansas water park executives charged with murder in boy's death". CNN. Archived from the original on March 28, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  51. ^ Hopkins, Anna (February 23, 2019). "Charges dismissed against water park owners in case of 10-year-old decapitated on 17-story slide". Fox News. Archived from the original on February 24, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2019.
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