48 Years Ago
The October 25, 1977 Golden Transcript described controversy regarding the proposed alpine slide at Heritage Square. The developers wanted to install a ski lift and use the hill for skiing during the winter and as an alpine slide during the summer. They planned to install snow-making machines.
Residents of the neighborhoods atop Lookout Mountain were opposed to the development. They thought an alpine slide would attract 4,000-5,000 people per day and long lines. They projected that bars and restaurants would be built to accommodate the visitors, and that local fire protection and ambulance capacities would be strained.
The alpine slide opened in 1978. The ski lift brought people to the top of slide, but no skiing was ever done there. The anticipated crowds never appeared, but the ride attracted a steady stream of visitors and delighted people for 37 years before closing when Heritage Square did, in 2015.
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