Slide the City's 1,000-foot water slide coming to Carpentersville

Owner Spencer Hunn knows the success of any Slide the City event revolves around one thing: The size of the hill.

That's why residents of suburban Chicago are in for a treat this summer, he said, when the 1,000-foot vinyl water slide takes over Maple Avenue in Carpentersville.

"The Carpentersville hill is one of the steepest hills on our entire schedule this summer," Hunn said. "I'm anticipating it being possibly the most fun event of the year."

A block party, incorporating the slide, music, community vendors and food, is scheduled July 23. If slide tickets sell out, organizers might extend the festivities through Sunday, Event Director Jackie Adams said.

A crowd of 2,000 to 5,000 people is expected, she added.

"Carpentersville is surrounded by lots of other communities, and it's a great village, so we're hoping to have a really big turnout," she said.

Slide tickets are expected to go on sale within the week and can be purchased at slidethecity.com, Hunn said. Early bird registration prices range from $10 to $45, depending on the slide package, and tickets become more expensive as the event date draws nearer.

General admittance into the festival is free, Carpentersville Community Development Director Marc Huber said.

The Utah-based Slide the City company holds dozens of events nationwide, including one last year on Main Street in Algonquin.

"We like to keep it moving from city to city, especially if it's not too far away," Hunn said. "People who came the first time can still enjoy it, but it gives everyone else a chance to host it. ... It's crazy how much (a Slide the City event) opens up traction for their areas and how many people come out."

During the Carpentersville event, Maple Avenue will be closed from Rosewood Drive to Tamarac Drive, Huber said. Alcohol will not be permitted, he said, and the village is also working with Slide the City organizers on other event details such as parking, security and safety features, he said.

If successful, Hunn said, Slide the City may return to the village or add more events in nearby communities.

"A normal water slide is not in your backyard or down the street from your house," Hunn said. "We're changing a hill in the village into a theme park. People can have so much fun right there in their own backyards."