Slick City Action Park, the newest destination in North Aurora, offers a water slide experience unlike any other. Nestled at 1830 Towne Center, this facility provides thrilling, water-free slides suitable for all seasons, eliminating the need for swimwear or waiting for a lifeguard's signal. As Illinois' first Slick City, it joins the ranks of six other locations across the United States. Vice President of Operations, Kevin Dugal, sees this as a personal milestone due to his ties to the local community and recognizes a gap in activities for kids in the area.
Dugal, a Naperville resident and alumnus of Waubonsie Valley High School, shares his excitement about bringing this innovative venture close to his roots. The park boasts "the world's only indoor waterless slide experience," featuring unique dry-slide technology in their modular designs. Dugal emphasizes that the slides mimic the exhilaration of traditional water slides but within a climate-controlled, year-round facility.
In addition to the slides, the park is equipped with Sports Air Courts, expansive basketball arenas for various sports, including dodgeball, offering a unique twist on traditional activities. A standout attraction, the Launch Slide, catapults riders into the air, ensuring a thrilling landing on a giant airbag. Other popular slides include the Race Slide, designed for friendly competitions across four lanes, and the Avalanche and Big Wave slides, offering exciting twists and drops reminiscent of classic water park rides.
Slick City, operational for just over two years, is rapidly expanding with 45 franchise or lease agreements and aims for 500 locations nationwide. By 2023, the company expects to have established 50 sites across the U.S., with its appeal cutting across demographics—20% of visitors are over 18. The park's flexible offerings also cater to group and company outings, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all.
For the youngest adventurers, there is a junior soft play area designed specifically for those aged three and under. Local officials, including North Aurora Village President Mark Gaffino, view Slick City as a boon to the community, with hopes of increased foot traffic revitalizing the area. General Manager Jill Rempert, previously familiar with trampoline parks, relishes her role in this unique venture, noting the exciting innovation Slick City brings to Illinois.
Employee Julian Guereca, aged 20, believes the novelty of the park, distinct from the usual trampoline or arcade experiences, will consistently attract visitors. With diverse slide offerings unavailable at typical water parks, Slick City presents a fresh option for all ages, promising fun and adventure year-round.