Slide Exit Runout on a Slope
A neighborhood park installs a 2.0 m high straight slide on a gently sloping site. The slide exit is 280 mm above the surfacing at the exit point. The runout area beyond the exit extends 2.2 m before the ground begins to slope downward at about 1:12. The surfacing is EWF at 300 mm, matching the specified depth for the fall height. A parent reports that children are exiting the slide and stumbling as they step onto the slope. The installer says the slide meets the manufacturer's exit-height specification and the surfacing is correct, so there is no problem. The park asks whether the runout and slope are acceptable.
1. Assess the exit height and runout in relation to the sloping ground, and judge the installer's conclusion.
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The installer addressed two variables correctly - exit height per manufacturer and surfacing depth - but ignored the runout geometry relative to the slope.
- Exit height (280 mm): acceptable only if it matches the manufacturer's specification; the installer asserts it does, so verify against documentation.
- Runout: 2.2 m of runout is provided, but the ground then slopes at ~1:12. A child exiting at speed steps onto a downslope, which changes their footing and balance - this matches the parent's report of stumbling. The runout should be level and clear so the child can decelerate and stand before encountering a grade change.
- Surfacing: 300 mm EWF is adequate for the fall height, but surfacing depth does not compensate for a grade change in the runout.
The installer's 'meets spec and surfacing is correct' conclusion is premature because it does not evaluate the runout-to-slope transition, which is a layout/siting issue, not an equipment-spec issue.
2. Propose corrective options and the verification steps.
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Options:
- Re-site or reorient the slide so the runout is level for its full length before any grade change.
- Regrade the runout zone to create a level landing area beyond the exit, with appropriate drainage.
- If regrading is not feasible, add a level transition/landing at the runout and redirect the slope away from the exit path.
Verify:
- Confirm exit height against manufacturer documentation.
- Measure runout length and slope at the exit and beyond.
- Confirm surfacing depth across the runout and use zone after any regrading.
- Observe children exiting to confirm stumbling is resolved.
Record the change and re-inspect. Do not rely on signage alone to mitigate a grade change in an active runout.