In a lawsuit filed in McDonough County Circuit Court on Friday, the Macomb Park District asks for removal of a waterslide that extends into Derry Park from private property.
The concrete slide was built more than three decades ago by Mark Seipel, who lives next to the park.
He brought the matter to the district’s attention in May when he asked the district for an easement so that he could sell his property with the slide intact. He calls the slide “a beloved neighborhood landmark” and “a symbol of joy and unity for our community.”
Seipel told the park board that a former park district director granted him permission years ago to build part of the slide on their property.
But in a release issued Friday, the district said it has no record of this or any way to verify it. According to the district, 40% of the slide’s total length is in the public park.
The district also said state law does not allow park districts to grant an easement over their land for a private structure.
In the lawsuit, the district seeks to recover “damages, costs, and expenses associated with Defendant’s unlawful use of public parkland and restoration of said parkland.”
The suit also claims Seipel built additional recreational equipment, including swings and a zip line, in Derry Park
The district also said it tried to resolve the matter before filing suit.
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