Utah Parking Garage Becomes Tourist Attraction With Addition of Giant Slides
St. George City Hall's four-story parking garage has drawn thousands of visitors daily since installing two stainless steel slides as an alternative exit.
A parking garage in St. George, Utah, has become an unexpected tourist destination following the installation of two large slides, offering an alternative to the stairs for exiting the four-story municipal building. The slides, completed in September after a nearly three-year construction period, have rapidly gained popularity, attracting families and residents from across Washington County.
City officials reported that the slides average up to 2,400 uses per day, with a peak of 4,700 uses recorded on September 19. "We knew that they would be popular. Maybe we didn't quite realize how popular they would be," David Cordero, director of communications and marketing for the City of St. George, told KUTV. He noted that the attraction appeals to a wide range of ages, from young children to adults.
The slides were constructed from stainless steel and cost over $575,000, funded by the City Recreation Art and Parks (RAP) tax. This tax, established in 2014, is designated for initiatives such as park upgrades, recreation facility improvements, and arts support.
In addition to the slides, the area at the base of the garage features a park with tunnels, trampolines, and swinging benches.
Despite the popularity, the project has prompted debate among Utah residents. Some have voiced concerns regarding the potential for the metal slides to become dangerously hot and questioned the use of tax money for the installation. "If it’s about having fun, you should have put a community rec center there to really draw the community to that area," one social media user commented, referencing past experiences with hot metal slides.
Others have lauded the project as a strategic investment in revitalizing the downtown area and fostering community engagement. "Whether you plan to slide down them or not, this project is a strategic investment in keeping our downtown alive, vibrant, and economically strong!" wrote another user.
Councilwoman Michelle Tanner acknowledged the divided opinions, stating, "I can completely understand the shock value of seeing slides coming off a parking garage. I can sympathize with the argument that this portion of RAP tax could have been used for another park, but I also see the benefit of helping City Hall fulfill its goal of being a true community gathering place."
City officials indicated that the garage has become a draw for the downtown area, encouraging visitors to patronize local businesses. "It definitely was worth it in my mind, having a place in our downtown... that's what we want to see. We want to see our downtown businesses thrive, and this certainly helps," Cordero said.
The City of St. George has not reported any injuries related to the slides. Officials advise users to slide one person at a time, feet first, and ensure the landing area is clear.