Playground slide

Playground slides are found in parks, schools, playgrounds and backyards. The slide may be flat, or half cylindrical or tubular to prevent falls. Slides are usually constructed of plastic or metal and they have a smooth surface that is either straight or wavy. The user, typically a child, climbs to the top of the slide via a ladder or stairs and sits down on the top of the slide and "slides" down the slide. In Australia the playground slide is known as a slide, slippery slide, slipper slide or slippery dip depending on the region.

Sliding pond or sliding pon is a term used in the New York City area to denote a playground slide.Sliding board is used in the Philadelphia area and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic.

History

The slide was invented by Charles Wicksteed, and the first slide, made of planks of wood, was installed in Wicksteed Park in 1922.

The discovery of Wicksteed's oldest slide was announced by the company in 2013.

Spiral slides

A playground slide may be wrapped around a central pole to form a descending spiral forming a simple helter skelter.