A popular homemade waterslide at Camp Edison near Shaver Lake, a tradition for nearly a decade, has been shut down by campground staff, leading to widespread disappointment among visitors.
Wayne Lucas, who built the water slide nine summers ago for his children, described it as a community attraction that drew campers from across the site. He stated that the slide was open to everyone and was never intended to be exclusive.
According to Lucas, the slide operated for only a few minutes this summer before a campground employee instructed him to shut it down and remove it. Initially, Lucas was told the slide was too noisy, but he later received a different explanation, claiming it occupied too much space on the beach. Lucas disputed this, noting that his family's canopies took up more room than the slide itself.
Lucas reported that he was ultimately informed that the slide had to be removed to avoid his family being asked to leave the campground. He expressed that many parents and children are upset by the decision.
The closure has also generated considerable discussion online, with social media users lamenting the loss of what they described as "good clean fun." Some commenters speculated that the campground might intend to install and charge for their own slide, while others expressed frustration with the staff's decision.
Southern California Edison, which operates Camp Edison, did not directly address Lucas's account of shifting explanations for the slide's removal. A spokesperson for the company, Diane Castro, stated that safety is the top priority and that campground policies are designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Castro added that Camp Edison is committed to maintaining a family-friendly outdoor environment.
It remains uncertain whether the DIY waterslide will return next summer. The closure marks the end of what had become one of Camp Edison's most cherished unofficial attractions.