SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- More than 370 participants slipped, slid and tubed down a 500-foot slip-and-slide as the 50th Force Support Squadron brought Slide the City back to Schriever for a second straight year Friday.
This year, the slide was set up on a hill behind the fitness center, giving participants a closer experience to the slide brought to Colorado Springs Aug. 20.
“We definitely wanted it to be a bigger event than last year,” said 2nd Lt. Sarah D’Alessandro, 50 FSS. “We wanted a slide that was a little steeper. That’s why we moved it behind the fitness center, to give people a little bit more of a thrill.”
According to slidethecity.com, Slide the City is a family-friendly event with live music, food, drinks and a 1,000 foot slip-and-slide. The slide brought to Schriever wasn’t quite 1,000 feet, but still allowed participants to experience many of the same elements.
“This was much better organized than the one in town,” said Master Sgt. Heather Abney, Schriever Career Assistance Supervisor. “There was less chaos at the top (of the slide) and more chances to slide. It was awesome.”
The Ellicott School District was again invited to take part in the festivities.
“(The invitation) shows the community how much we’re working to build a good relationship, not just with the school district, but with the families too,” D’Alessandro said. “It’s good seeing us all come together for one big event like this. We’re definitely a family here.”
Approximately 60 volunteers helped the event run smoothly, assisting in set-up, running the slide and tear down.
“We knew we needed a lot of people, a lot of support,” D’Alessandro said. “They really helped us out this morning (with set-up). It definitely helps the process go a little faster. We’re really grateful for all the volunteers.”
D’Alessandro said holding community-wide events like Slide the City is just one of the ways 50 FSS tries to engage the Schriever community.
“We love doing this for the base and helping increase the quality of life on Schriever,” she said.