KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Activity at Schlitterbahn Thursday was at a minimum but come Friday Brittani Willnauer and her son plan to be frolicking in the water.
“My 4-year-old loves it. We can go to public pools in the area but he’s obsessed with their slides,” Willnauer told 41 Action News.
The waterpark will open Friday despite alleged violations at several of its attractions following an audit by The Kansas Department of Labor last week.
"Honestly, it doesn't affect us much because I'm assuming the kiddie pools aren't going to be the ones shut down but it’s a little upsetting that we don’t know which 11 rides it is," Willnauer said.
Schlitterbahn said these six rides will be open on Friday:
- Torrent
- Torrent Beach
- Torrent Cove
- Kinderhaven
- The Pirate Ship
- Henry’s Hideout
This is the list of the 11 rides inspectors discovered there were problems:
- Bahnzai Pipeline tube water slide,
- Black Knight tube water slide,
- Blitz Falls Aquaveyor
- Boogie Bahn
- Cyclone water slide
- King Kaw Aquaveyor
- Soaring Eagle Zipline
- Storm Blaster water slide
- Twister water slide
- Whirlwind water slide
- Wolfpack water slide
Among them is the Soaring Eagle Zipline, whose parts weren't replaced as the manufacturer recommended, an audit from the state inspector said.
This is the latest blow for the popular summer destination.
Earlier this year, prosecutors filed charges against Schlitterbahn and its executives in the death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab.
“I’m going to let the court system decide that it’s not for me to decide. We’ll continue going as long as my son likes it and as long as it’s open so we’ll let the chips fall where they may,” Willnauer said.
Willnauer who has held season tickets for three years said its ultimately up to the parents to choose whether or not to visit the park.
“Just do what’s best for your kids and your family. If it’s something that you don’t want to be a part of, then that’s your prerogative. If you want to go elsewhere that’s fine but we enjoyed it. Sure there’s things about it that you wish you can change but you’re going to have that pretty much anywhere so,” Willnauer said.
Because the alleged violations are the waterpark’s first offense, the state issued them a warning.
