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{{short description|Water park in Kansas City, Kansas}}
{{short description|Former water park in Kansas City, Kansas}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox Water park
{{Infobox Water park
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|previous_names =
|previous_names =
|season =
|season =
| area = {{convert|370|acre|km2}}
| area = {{convert|370|acre|ha}}
|pools = 2
|pools = 2
|slides = 14
|slides = 14
|children_areas = 2
|children_areas = 2
|slogan =
|slogan =
|status = Removed
|status =
}}
}}
[[File:Schlitterbahn Kansas City (44619756661).jpg|thumb|Aerial photo of Schlitterbahn Kansas City in September 2018]]
[[File:Schlitterbahn Kansas City (44619756661).jpg|thumb|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|Schlitterbahn Waterparks]]. The {{convert|370|acre|km2|1|adj=on}}, $750 million development included a nearly {{convert|40|acre|m2|adj=on}} waterpark, which is Schlitterbahn's fourth waterpark and its first outside [[Texas]].
'''Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City''' was a water park in [[Kansas City, Kansas]]. It was announced in September 2005 by [[Schlitterbahn|Schlitterbahn Waterparks]] and opened on July 15, 2009. It was conceived as a {{convert|370|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} and {{US$|750 million|long=no}} development including a nearly {{convert|40|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} waterpark, which was Schlitterbahn's fourth waterpark and its first outside [[Texas]].


Groundbreaking took place September 18, 2007 on the land formerly occupied by the [[Wyandotte County, Kansas|Wyandotte County]] Fairgrounds and the Unified Government courthouse annex, across [[Interstate 435]] from the [[Kansas Speedway]] and [[Village West]].
Groundbreaking was on September 18, 2007, on the land formerly occupied by the [[Wyandotte County, Kansas|Wyandotte County]] Fairgrounds and the [[Consolidated city-county|Unified Government]] courthouse annex, across [[Interstate 435]] from the [[Kansas Speedway]] and [[Village West]].

Following a fatal accident on the extremely tall [[Verrückt (water slide)|Verrückt]] water slide in 2016, the park permanently closed in 2018. In the end, only $180 million of work was ever completed.


==History==
==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]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/business/2008/06/landmark_big_dipper_attracts_t.html|title=Landmark Big Dipper attracts buyer for $5,000|first=Shaheen|last=Samavati|date=June 17, 2008|website=Cleveland.com}}</ref> Phase 2, named '''Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Resort''' was originally planned to include over 1,000 hotel rooms, a [[Scheels All Sports|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]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hutchnews.com/article/20130608/news/306089950|title=Schlitterbahn water park's plans hurt by recession|agency=The Associated Press|website=The Hutchinson News}}</ref> An expansion of the water park opened on April 30, 2011, with six new attractions.
Phase 1 included the opening of 12 water attractions, 3 restaurants, and 2 shops. Three attractions were purchased from the former [[Geauga Lake]] amusement park in [[Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/business/2008/06/landmark_big_dipper_attracts_t.html|title=Landmark Big Dipper attracts buyer for $5,000|first=Shaheen|last=Samavati|date=June 17, 2008|website=Cleveland.com}}</ref> Phase 2, named Schlitterbahn Vacation Village Resort, was originally planned to include over 1,000 hotel rooms, a [[Scheels All Sports|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 then [[Great Recession]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hutchnews.com/article/20130608/news/306089950|title=Schlitterbahn water park's plans hurt by recession|agency=The Associated Press|website=The Hutchinson News}}</ref> An expansion of the water park opened on April 30, 2011, with six new attractions.


===Verrückt and accident===
===Verrückt and accident===
{{main|Verrückt (water slide)}}
{{main|Verrückt (water slide)}}
In November 2012, Schlitterbahn Waterparks announced plans for the world's tallest and fastest [[water slide]], [[Verrückt (water slide)|Verrückt]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amusementtoday.com/2012/11/20/worlds-tallest-water-coaster-coming-to-schlitterbahn-kansas-city/ |title=World's tallest water coaster coming to Schlitterbahn Kansas City |date=November 20, 2012 |publisher=Amusement Today |accessdate=July 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727104648/http://www.amusementtoday.com/2012/11/20/worlds-tallest-water-coaster-coming-to-schlitterbahn-kansas-city/ |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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 {{convert|168|ft|7|in|m}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kansas-city/rides/all-new-verruckt|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406091534/http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kansas-city/rides/all-new-verruckt|archivedate=April 6, 2014 |title=All NEW Verrückt |publisher=Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref> the starting point was taller than [[Niagara Falls]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://res.cloudinary.com/roadtrippers/image/upload/v1400698523/pevmjwagduccaroaouht.jpg |title=World's Tallest Waterside graphic |accessdate=May 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529084750/https://res.cloudinary.com/roadtrippers/image/upload/v1400698523/pevmjwagduccaroaouht.jpg |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and reached a maximum speed of {{convert|65|mph|km/h}}. It opened on July 10, 2014, after multiple delays.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article697346.html|title=Schlitterbahn:First riders on Verrückt at Schlitterbahn love the 'rush' (with video)|newspaper=[[The Kansas City Star]]|publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]]|first=Edward|last=Eveld|date=July 9, 2014|accessdate=July 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712023925/http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article697346.html|archive-date=July 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Copied from Schlitterbahn page -->
In November 2012, Schlitterbahn Waterparks announced plans for the world's tallest and fastest [[water slide]], [[Verrückt (water slide)|Verrückt]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amusementtoday.com/2012/11/20/worlds-tallest-water-coaster-coming-to-schlitterbahn-kansas-city/ |title=World's tallest water coaster coming to Schlitterbahn Kansas City |date=November 20, 2012 |publisher=Amusement Today |accessdate=July 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727104648/http://www.amusementtoday.com/2012/11/20/worlds-tallest-water-coaster-coming-to-schlitterbahn-kansas-city/ |archive-date=July 27, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Verrückt was designed by Schlitterbahn co-owner Jeff Henry as a three-person raft slide with an uphill section. The initial drop was a 17-story plunge with a five-story uphill section. At {{convert|168|ft|7|in|m}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kansas-city/rides/all-new-verruckt|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406091534/http://www.schlitterbahn.com/kansas-city/rides/all-new-verruckt|archivedate=April 6, 2014 |title=All NEW Verrückt |publisher=Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts |accessdate=May 27, 2014 }}</ref> the starting point was taller than [[Niagara Falls]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://res.cloudinary.com/roadtrippers/image/upload/v1400698523/pevmjwagduccaroaouht.jpg |title=World's Tallest Waterside graphic |accessdate=May 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529084750/https://res.cloudinary.com/roadtrippers/image/upload/v1400698523/pevmjwagduccaroaouht.jpg |archive-date=May 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and reached a maximum speed of {{convert|65|mph|km/h}}. It opened on July 10, 2014, after multiple delays.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article697346.html|title=Schlitterbahn:First riders on Verrückt at Schlitterbahn love the 'rush' (with video)|newspaper=[[The Kansas City Star]]|publisher=[[The McClatchy Company]]|first=Edward|last=Eveld|date=July 9, 2014|accessdate=July 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712023925/http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/article697346.html|archive-date=July 12, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>


In August 2016, 10-year old Caleb Schwab was killed while riding Verrückt. The death occurred when the raft he was in went airborne at the lower bump and struck a metal support of the netting, [[decapitation|decapitating]] him.<ref name="time.com">{{cite news|last1=Calvo|first1=Amanda|last2=Chan|first2=Melissa|title=What We Know About the Young Boy Decapitated on the World's Tallest Water Slide|url=http://time.com/4444447/caleb-schwab-verruckt-water-slide-death/|accessdate=January 3, 2017|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103020701/http://time.com/4444447/caleb-schwab-verruckt-water-slide-death/|archivedate=January 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Raine|first1=Naja|title=Caleb Schwab, 10, Decapitated in Water Slide Accident, Police Confirm|url=http://www.people.com/article/caleb-schwab-decapitated-water-slide-accident|accessdate=August 9, 2016|publisher=People|date=August 9, 2016}}</ref> 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.<ref name="PoliceDetails-Fox4" /> In the immediate aftermath, the park was closed pending an inspection.<ref name="time.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/schlitterbahn-waterpark-kansas-reopen-wednesday-10-year-olds/story?id=41233945|title=Kansas Waterpark to Reopen Wednesday After Boy's Death|first=Emily|last=Shapiro|date=August 9, 2016|publisher=[[ABC News]]}}</ref> Although the park reopened three days later, the ride remained closed.<ref name="PoliceDetails-Fox4">{{cite web |first1=Stephanie |last1=Graflage |first2=Mary |last2=Pulley |url=http://fox4kc.com/2016/08/08/kck-police-release-details-about-water-park-tragedy-pastor-provides-statement-on-10-year-old-boy-killed/|title=KCK police release details about water park tragedy; pastor provides statement on 10-year-old boy killed|date=August 8, 2016|publisher=WDAF|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809162544/http://fox4kc.com/2016/08/08/kck-police-release-details-about-water-park-tragedy-pastor-provides-statement-on-10-year-old-boy-killed/|archivedate=August 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Campbell|first1=Matt|last2=Cronkleton|first2=Robert|last3=Adler|first3=Eric|title=Son of Kansas lawmaker dies on Verrückt slide at Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kan.|url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article94254507.html|date=August 7, 2016|work=The Kansas City Star|accessdate=August 8, 2016| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808072815/http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article94254507.html |archivedate=August 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/08/08/a_boy_died_on_a_water_slide_in_kansas_one_of_many_states_that_barely_regulates.html|title=A Boy Died on This Water Slide—in One of the Many States That Barely Ensure That Rides Are Safe|first=Helaine|last=Olen|publisher=Slate|date=August 8, 2016 | url-status=live | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809164128/http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/08/08/a_boy_died_on_a_water_slide_in_kansas_one_of_many_states_that_barely_regulates.html|archivedate=August 9, 2016}}</ref>
In August 2016, 10-year old Caleb Schwab was killed while riding Verrückt. The death occurred when the raft he was in went airborne at the lower bump and struck a metal support of the netting, [[decapitation|decapitating]] him.<ref name="Time">{{cite magazine|last1=Calvo|first1=Amanda|last2=Chan|first2=Melissa|title=What We Know About the Young Boy Decapitated on the World's Tallest Water Slide|url=https://time.com/4444447/caleb-schwab-verruckt-water-slide-death/|access-date=January 3, 2017|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|date=August 9, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103020701/http://time.com/4444447/caleb-schwab-verruckt-water-slide-death/|archive-date=January 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Raine|first1=Naja|title=Caleb Schwab, 10, Decapitated in Water Slide Accident, Police Confirm|url=http://www.people.com/article/caleb-schwab-decapitated-water-slide-accident|accessdate=August 9, 2016|publisher=People|date=August 9, 2016}}</ref> 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.<ref name="PoliceDetails-Fox4" /> In the immediate aftermath, the park was closed pending an inspection.<ref name="Time"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/schlitterbahn-waterpark-kansas-reopen-wednesday-10-year-olds/story?id=41233945|title=Kansas Waterpark to Reopen Wednesday After Boy's Death|first=Emily|last=Shapiro|date=August 9, 2016|publisher=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]}}</ref> Although the park reopened three days later, the ride remained closed.<ref name="PoliceDetails-Fox4">{{cite web |first1=Stephanie |last1=Graflage |first2=Mary |last2=Pulley |url=http://fox4kc.com/2016/08/08/kck-police-release-details-about-water-park-tragedy-pastor-provides-statement-on-10-year-old-boy-killed/|title=KCK police release details about water park tragedy; pastor provides statement on 10-year-old boy killed|date=August 8, 2016|publisher=WDAF|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809162544/http://fox4kc.com/2016/08/08/kck-police-release-details-about-water-park-tragedy-pastor-provides-statement-on-10-year-old-boy-killed/|archivedate=August 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Campbell|first1=Matt|last2=Cronkleton|first2=Robert|last3=Adler|first3=Eric|title=Son of Kansas lawmaker dies on Verrückt slide at Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kan.|url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article94254507.html|date=August 7, 2016|work=The Kansas City Star|accessdate=August 8, 2016| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808072815/http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article94254507.html |archivedate=August 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/08/08/a_boy_died_on_a_water_slide_in_kansas_one_of_many_states_that_barely_regulates.html|title=A Boy Died on This Water Slide—in One of the Many States That Barely Ensure That Rides Are Safe|first=Helaine|last=Olen|publisher=Slate|date=August 8, 2016 | url-status=live | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809164128/http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2016/08/08/a_boy_died_on_a_water_slide_in_kansas_one_of_many_states_that_barely_regulates.html|archivedate=August 9, 2016}}</ref>

An investigation found that Caleb, who weighed {{convert|74|lb}}, had been allowed to sit in the front of the raft, rather than between the two women accompanying him — one weighed {{convert|275|lb}}, while the other weighed {{convert|197|lb}}.<ref name="WeightDistribution-Inquisitr" /> This led to an uneven [[weight distribution]] that contributed to the raft going airborne, despite the cumulative weight of {{convert|546|lb}}, less than the maximum recommended weight of {{convert|550|lb}}.<ref name="WeightDistribution-Inquisitr">{{cite news|publisher=Insquistr|first=Tara|last=West|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/3433889/verruckt-waterslide-death-result-of-poor-weight-distribution-experts-say-caleb-schwab-should-have-been-in-center-seat/|title=Verruckt Waterslide Death Result Of Poor Weight Distribution? Experts Say Caleb Schwab Should Have Been In Center Seat|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821173440/http://www.inquisitr.com/3433889/verruckt-waterslide-death-result-of-poor-weight-distribution-experts-say-caleb-schwab-should-have-been-in-center-seat/|archivedate=August 21, 2016}}</ref> Engineers who inspected the ride also commented that the ride's netting, used in areas where riders travel up to {{convert|70|mph}}, "posed its own hazard because a rider moving at high speeds could easily lose a limb if they hit it".<ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article95562432.html|title=The making of Schlitterbahn's Verruckt water slide: Too much, too fast? | first1=Steve | last1=Vockrodt | first2=Scott | last2=Canon | first3=Katy | last3=Bergen | publisher=The Kansas City Star | url-status=live | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202080518/http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article95562432.html|archivedate=February 2, 2017}}</ref> Their findings revealed that the use of the metal brace and netting system in the design,<ref name="kcstarindictment">{{cite news|last1=Vockrodt|first1=Steve|last2=Rizzo|first2=Tony|last3=Baurer|first3=Laura|last4=Rice|first4=Glenn E.|title=Schlitterbahn corporation, ex-manager indicted in Verruckt water slide death|url=http://www.kansascity.com/news/article206605804.html|work=Kansas City Star|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325054321/http://www.kansascity.com/news/article206605804.html#|archive-date=March 25, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> along with the use of [[Hook and loop fastener|hook and loop]] straps to restrain the riders,<ref name="ASTM Restraint">{{cite web|title=State of Kansas v. Tyler Austin Miles, Schlitterbahn Waterpark of Kansas City, Kansas|pages=16–17|quote=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.|url=http://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article206611679.ece/BINARY/Read%20the%20full%20Schlitterbahn%20corporation%20indictment|date=March 28, 2018|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326174428/http://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article206611679.ece/BINARY/Read%20the%20full%20Schlitterbahn%20corporation%20indictment#|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> went against guidelines set by [[ASTM International|ASTM]] F-24 Committee on Amusement Ride and Devices.<ref>{{cite web|title=ASTM International|url=http://www.waterparks.org/web/Tagged_Content/Hot_Topics/ASTM.aspx|website=www.waterparks.org|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326183149/http://www.waterparks.org/web/Tagged_Content/Hot_Topics/ASTM.aspx#|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> According to the guidelines, Verrückt should have incorporated the use of a rigid over-the-shoulder restraint for riders,<ref name="ASTM Restraint" /> and an [[Underfriction|upstop]] mechanism to prevent the rafts from going airborne.<ref name="ASTM Upstop">{{cite web|title=State of Kansas v. Tyler Austin Miles, Schlitterbahn Waterpark of Kansas City, Kansas|pages=16|quote=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.|url=http://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article206611679.ece/BINARY/Read%20the%20full%20Schlitterbahn%20corporation%20indictment|date=March 28, 2018|access-date=March 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326174428/http://www.kansascity.com/latest-news/article206611679.ece/BINARY/Read%20the%20full%20Schlitterbahn%20corporation%20indictment#|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


===Aftermath===
===Aftermath===
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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vockrodt |first1=Steve |title=A month after Schlitterbahn's opening, four rides remain closed at the KCK water park |url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article213546329.html |publisher=Kansas City Star |date=July 10, 2018 |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728003321/https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article213546329.html |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vockrodt |first1=Steve |title=A month after Schlitterbahn's opening, four rides remain closed at the KCK water park |url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article213546329.html |publisher=Kansas City Star |date=July 10, 2018 |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728003321/https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article213546329.html |archive-date=July 28, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Demolition of Verrückt began in November 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2018/10/31/demolition-begins-schlitterbahn-verruckt.html|publisher=www.bizjournals.com |newspaper=[[Kansas City Business Journal]]|access-date=2019-02-03|title=Demolition begins on Schlitterbahn's Verruckt}}</ref>

Demolition of Verrückt began on November 1, 2018. The park did not open for the 2019 season.


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 for up to 120 days to buy the Kansas City location "for an additional $6 million".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Matt |title=Cedar Fair, parent company of Worlds of Fun, purchases Texas Schlitterbahn waterparks, with rights to KCK property |url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/cedar-fair-parent-company-of-worlds-of-fun-purchases-texas-schlitterbahn-parks-with-rights-to-kck-property/28003996 |accessdate=13 June 2019 |agency=KMBC-9 |publisher=KMBC-9 News Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613160009/https://www.kmbc.com/article/cedar-fair-parent-company-of-worlds-of-fun-purchases-texas-schlitterbahn-parks-with-rights-to-kck-property/28003996 |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cedar Fair did not pursue purchasing the property within those 120 days and the park remained standing but not operating.
The park did not open for the 2019 season. On June 13, 2019, [[Cedar Fair]] (now Six Flags) agreed to buy Schlitterbahn's two parks in [[New Braunfels]] and [[Galveston]] for a price of $261 million. Additionally, Cedar Fair had the option for up to 120 days to buy the Kansas City location "for an additional $6 million".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Matt |title=Cedar Fair, parent company of Worlds of Fun, purchases Texas Schlitterbahn waterparks, with rights to KCK property |url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/cedar-fair-parent-company-of-worlds-of-fun-purchases-texas-schlitterbahn-parks-with-rights-to-kck-property/28003996 |accessdate=13 June 2019 |agency=KMBC-9 |publisher=KMBC-9 News Staff |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613160009/https://www.kmbc.com/article/cedar-fair-parent-company-of-worlds-of-fun-purchases-texas-schlitterbahn-parks-with-rights-to-kck-property/28003996 |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cedar Fair did not pursue purchasing the property within those 120 days and the park remained standing but not operating.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}


On November 6, 2020, Homefield LLC signed an agreement with the [[Consolidated city-county|Unified Government]] of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas to fund the redevelopment of the former Schlitterbahn lot for $90 million into an amateur sports complex. Plans called for the total demolition of the remaining Schlitterbahn structures, which was to begin before July 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Friestad |first1=Thomas |title=Homefield, UG sign agreement to get $90M amateur sports resort built by 2022 |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2020/11/06/unified-government-schlitterbahn-homefield.html |publisher=Kansas City Business Journal |date=Nov 6, 2020 |access-date=May 25, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> The adjacent Wyandotte County Courthouse Annex building was demolished beginning in February 2021,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dulle |first1=Brian |title=Buildings being demolished near KCK’s Schlitterbahn water park site for new $330 million development project |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/buildings-being-demolished-near-kcks-schlitterbahn-water-park-site-for-new-330-million-development-project/ |publisher=WDAF-TV |date=Feb 23, 2021 |access-date=May 25, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> and the demolition of Schlitterbahn itself was completed before September.
On November 6, 2020, Homefield LLC signed an agreement with the [[Consolidated city-county|Unified Government]] of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas to fund the redevelopment of the former Schlitterbahn lot for $90 million into an amateur sports complex. Plans called for the total demolition of the remaining Schlitterbahn structures, which was to begin before July 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Friestad |first1=Thomas |title=Homefield, UG sign agreement to get $90M amateur sports resort built by 2022 |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2020/11/06/unified-government-schlitterbahn-homefield.html |publisher=Kansas City Business Journal |date=Nov 6, 2020 |access-date=May 25, 2021 }}</ref> The adjacent Wyandotte County Courthouse Annex building was demolished beginning in February 2021,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dulle |first1=Brian |title=Buildings being demolished near KCK's Schlitterbahn water park site for new $330 million development project |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/buildings-being-demolished-near-kcks-schlitterbahn-water-park-site-for-new-330-million-development-project/ |publisher=WDAF-TV |date=Feb 23, 2021 |access-date=May 25, 2021 }}</ref> and the demolition of Schlitterbahn was completed before September.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZCTWm3SLbc "The Tragedy Of The World's Tallest Waterslide: The History of Schlitterbahn,"] Expedition Theme Park via YouTube.com, Sept. 30, 2023.
*{{official website|https://schlitterbahn.com/kc/}}


[[Category:Water parks in Kansas]]
[[Category:Water parks in Kansas]]

Latest revision as of 10:25, 17 November 2024

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 (2009-07-15)
ClosedSeptember 3, 2018 (2018-09-03)
Area370 acres (150 ha)
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 in Kansas City, Kansas. It was announced in September 2005 by Schlitterbahn Waterparks and opened on July 15, 2009. It was conceived as a 370-acre (150-hectare) and $750 million development including a nearly 40-acre (16-hectare) waterpark, which was Schlitterbahn's fourth waterpark and its first outside Texas.

Groundbreaking was on 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.

Following a fatal accident on the extremely tall Verrückt water slide in 2016, the park permanently closed in 2018. In the end, only $180 million of work was ever completed.

History

[edit]

Phase 1 included the opening of 12 water attractions, 3 restaurants, and 2 shops. Three attractions 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 then Great Recession.[2] An expansion of the water park opened on April 30, 2011, with six new attractions.

Verrückt and accident

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Main article: Verrückt (water slide)

In November 2012, Schlitterbahn Waterparks announced plans for the world's tallest and fastest water slide, Verrückt.[3] Verrückt was designed by Schlitterbahn co-owner Jeff Henry as 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),[4] the starting point was taller than Niagara Falls[5] and reached a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). It opened on July 10, 2014, after multiple delays.[6]

In August 2016, 10-year old Caleb Schwab was killed while riding Verrückt. The death occurred when the raft he was in went airborne at the lower bump and struck a metal support of the netting, decapitating him.[7][8] 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.[9] In the immediate aftermath, the park was closed pending an inspection.[7][10] Although the park reopened three days later, the ride remained closed.[9][11][12]

Aftermath

[edit]

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.[13] Demolition of Verrückt began in November 2018.[14]

The park did not open for the 2019 season. On June 13, 2019, Cedar Fair (now Six Flags) agreed to buy Schlitterbahn's two parks in New Braunfels and Galveston for a price of $261 million. Additionally, Cedar Fair had the option for up to 120 days to buy the Kansas City location "for an additional $6 million".[15] Cedar Fair did not pursue purchasing the property within those 120 days and the park remained standing but not operating.[citation needed]

On November 6, 2020, Homefield LLC signed an agreement with the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas to fund the redevelopment of the former Schlitterbahn lot for $90 million into an amateur sports complex. Plans called for the total demolition of the remaining Schlitterbahn structures, which was to begin before July 2021.[16] The adjacent Wyandotte County Courthouse Annex building was demolished beginning in February 2021,[17] and the demolition of Schlitterbahn was completed before September.[citation needed]

References

[edit]
  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. ^ "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.
  4. ^ "All NEW Verrückt". Schlitterbahn Waterparks & Resorts. Archived from the original on April 6, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  5. ^ "World's Tallest Waterside graphic". Archived from the original on May 29, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ 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.
  8. ^ Raine, Naja (August 9, 2016). "Caleb Schwab, 10, Decapitated in Water Slide Accident, Police Confirm". People. Retrieved August 9, 2016.
  9. ^ 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.
  10. ^ Shapiro, Emily (August 9, 2016). "Kansas Waterpark to Reopen Wednesday After Boy's Death". ABC News.
  11. ^ 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.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ "Demolition begins on Schlitterbahn's Verruckt". Kansas City Business Journal. www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved February 3, 2019.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ Friestad, Thomas (November 6, 2020). "Homefield, UG sign agreement to get $90M amateur sports resort built by 2022". Kansas City Business Journal. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
  17. ^ Dulle, Brian (February 23, 2021). "Buildings being demolished near KCK's Schlitterbahn water park site for new $330 million development project". WDAF-TV. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
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