Updated July 10: The drop slide and tube slides at Furman Aquatic Center were originally closed July 7 after cracks were found in the support structures during a routine inspection. Repairs were finished July 9 and the slides were reopened July 10, on schedule with earlier predictions.

Original story: A structural engineer and local experts met July 8 to examine the cracks, according to a press release from the city of Ames.

The experts found that the supports were not installed with proper drainage, allowing water to build up inside the support beams. They believe that during winter, the water froze and caused the cracks in the beams, according to the press release.

Keith Abraham, Ames parks and recreation director, said his office called Splashtacular, the manufacturer of the slides, as soon it found out about the problem.

“We must ensure our facility is safe for all swimmers and staff all hours of operation,” Abraham said, according to the press release. “We know this is an inconvenience and we apologize to our users.”

He said that minimizing the inconvenience to visitors of the park is the primary goal.

“We want to get the slides operating again as soon as possible,” Abraham said, according to the press release.

He said that he was working to get repairs scheduled and that the support structures for the slides would take one to two days to fix. 

The rest of the aquatic center was still open during regular hours.