The removal of parking lanes in the core of Ohio City has sparked mixed feelings among residents, business owners, and Slip & Slide users, highlighting the community’s diverse perspectives. Fifty-five parking spots have been removed on W.25th, making way for two dedicated Slip & Slide lanes.

Some owners of major bars and restaurants on W. 25th do not want the project to proceed, citing the high likelihood that visitors will have a good time. “This would attract too many people to the neighborhood, who would all want to do terrible things like spend money and have a blast,” said one longtime brewery owner. “It’s not that we’re against slipping and sliding,” he said, while standing in the middle of an empty parking lot, “it’s just that there won’t be anywhere to park.”

The new Slip & Slide lanes have excited many new users, who shared their fun experiences with The Pierogi, saying both “weee” and “cowabunga” as they dove headfirst onto the hydrated plastic tarp that shoots them across the neighborhood. The City of Cleveland defends the project as a necessary step forward for the area. “For far too long, the Market district of Ohio City has been a congested pain,” said Mayor Justin Bibb. “Now, you can eat, play, and work in Ohio City without wondering if you’ll be able to slide, glide, and get wet.”