LOCALLOOK
Ask Edmond
Rocket Slide Memories
The Rocket Slide located in Stephenson Park will be retired from play later this year as the park is revitalized. City plans will transform this Edmond icon into a sculpture that welcomes park visitors. We asked some Edmondites to share their favorite Rocket Slide memories.
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Tonya Garman Sign Language Interpreter OK Dept of Rehabilitation Services
Chris Helterbrand Director of Development Analytical Edge Laboratories
Grady Epperly President, Hi-Fi Public Relations
As a kid, I have summertime memories of climbing to the tippy top and sliding down, burning my bare legs. Years later when I would take my kids and cousins, I remember climbing up to the top and looking around inside the metal cone to see if I recognized any of the scratched-in names.
In 1970, my family and I attended the Edmond Church of Christ, which, at that time, was next door to the slide. Before the final “Amen” reached the back pew, my friends and I would be in a full-on sprint to the slide.
My mom took us there often to eat takeout before Wednesday night church. I remember the first time I had gotten just a little too big and hit my head at the top of the ladder - and sometimes, the slide would give you a pretty good static shock.
Holly Baum Owner/Designer/Construction Manager BaumHaus Design-Build
Buck Brokaw Sign Technician Oklahoma County District 3
My mom, brother and I would picnic at Stephenson Park and then climb the rocket ship and slide down over and over. I have repeated this tradition with my daughters, and my dad loves taking my girls too. Three generations of my family have so many great memories there.
Back then, I lived at Shirley Lane. After junior high games, we used to go downtown to Fred’s pool hall then wander over to the rocket and hang out. Sometimes, it was with girls and we’d go up there and make out.
EDMONDOUTLOOK.COM
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FEBRUARY 2020
T-shirts commemorating the Rocket Slide are available at Bison Creek Clothing in downtown Edmond. Children and adult sizes are $25. All proceeds benefit AMBUCS Trykes Disabilities Program. More info: www.facebook.com/ AmbucsEdmondOK
