DETROIT (WWJ) -- The Giant Slide on Belle Isle has since the 1960s been a draw for fun-seekers of all ages from all across Metro Detroit.
But now — thanks to viral videos, memes, t-shirts and a song — the bumpy ride is attracting worldwide attention, and visitors from out-of-state.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Ryan Marshall reported park-goers were "really excited" when the slide reopened to the pubic Friday after modifications were made to make it "safer" — including wetting down the slide to create friction.
"They were also telling people to not lean back in their burlap sacks, and that that way they wouldn't go flying in the air," he added.
Marshall reported that people came from all over the metro area, the state and the country to ride the 40-foot metal slide, or just to experience and watch it in person.
Jeremy Cohen from New York City, with his girlfriend from New Jersey, traveled all the way to Detroit to try the slide.
After videos last week showed people bouncing off it, is he even a little bit worried that he could get hurt?
"Yeah. I mean, for sure," Cohen admitted, with a laugh. "The good news is that I've met my deductibles, so we'll see what goes from there. So, I'm sure my insurance company is chomping at the bit, but it's good!"
Cohen, fortunately, slid down unscathed.
Marshall spoke to several kids who braved the slide and said they had a blast. "The first time it was kind of slow, but as more people started going it got faster," one boy said, adding, "I leaned back a little more."
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which runs the park at Belle Isle, said workers ran water down the slide and also applied a wax coating to try to make it safer for riders.
The Giant Slide opened on Friday, Aug. 19, after it had been closed for several years due to the pandemic. That reopening didn’t quite go as planned, as riders went speeding down the slide a little too quickly.
Videos showed riders popping up in the air and slamming their way down the slide; scenes that eventually made their way to national media including CNN and Jimmy Kimmel. The Today Show as on site Friday morning, and an new outlet in India even ran a story.
It's not yet clear if the water, wax or tips for riders will slow things down enough to avoid future problems with the now iconic attraction.
Marshall said one small boy who rode Friday began tumbling, and eventually his head on the slide near the bottom. There were some tears, but he later told Marshall that he might give it another go.
There have been no reports to date of any serious injuries.
The slide is open from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the next two weeks. It costs $1 to ride.
The DNR has posted a video with tips for riders HERE.
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