Giant Ruby Red Slipper Slide to be newest tourist attraction in SW Kansas
LIBERAL, Kan. (KSNW) -- The City of Liberal has come up with a creative and fun way to get more people to stop and stay awhile. The town will put a giant Ruby Red Slipper Slide along U.S. Highway 54.
The choice of a ruby red shoe makes sense since the town is already known for being home to Dorothy's House and the Land of Oz exhibit. The 10-foot slide will replicate Dorothy's famous ruby red slippers.
After it opens, the "Slipper Slide" will be available to both children and adults. The goal is to complete it by Memorial Day for the summer tourism season.
The city says the slide will be a whimsical welcome for travelers along U.S. 54. The slide will be on the grounds of Liberal's Tourist Information Center, 1 Yellow Brick Road.
Travelers who stop will learn about the other attractions in Liberal, including Coronado Museum, Mid-America Air Museum, Pancake Day Hall of Fame, Arkalon Park, and the Baker Arts Center.
This week, the Liberal City Commission approved the purchase of the slide structure. The Kansas Tourism Department has already awarded the town $32,600 for the slide through its Attraction Development Grant program. The rest of the money, $46,100, will come from the local tourism funds.
Zip Designs LLC with Adventure Solutions is building the slide.