LAPEER, Mich. (WWJ) -- The Blue Spiral Waterslide at Torzewski County Park in Lapeer has been shut down indefinitely.
Officials with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs say they have issued a ceases and desist order against Lapeer County Parks and Recreation for operating the slide. The park is prohibited from operating the slide until it is fixed.
LARA says its Bureau of Construction Codes discovered one violation of Michigan's Carnival-Amusement Safety Act -- the steel that connects the stair stringers to the platforms is corroded and must be replaced. The BCC oversees the state's carnival and amusement ride safety program.
-- ATTENTION: A water slide at Torzewski County Park in Lapeer is CLOSED due to a safety violation. https://t.co/4guCBcXvBo
— ABC12WJRT (@ABC12WJRT) July 8, 2019"Before getting on to amusement rides this summer, check to see if the ride has a permit to operate," BCC director Keith Lambert said in a press release. "We inspect permitted carnival and amusement rides annually to help ensure safety. Any reports of unsafe or unpermitted rides receive our immediate attention to help keep the public safe."
There is at least one other waterslide at the park, which features a "Wetlands Water play area" and several nature trails. LARA officials did not say anything about the second slide, which presumably passed inspection.
LARA says if the park tries to operate the blue waterslide before it's fixed, they could face criminal charges.
Lapeer County Parks and Recreation officials were also informed that the matter was referred to local police and fire authorities, and the prosecuting attorney for review and possible action which may include criminal sanctions.
