Preparation

• Select a location for the slide that is away from streets, approximately 6 feet from buildings and on level ground. A grassy surface will provide a semi-soft place to land at the bottom of the slide, helping to prevent scrapes and bruises. Ensure that the grassy area is not susceptible to collecting water and turning muddy. Soggy soil can loosen the slide's anchors and cause the slide to tip over. Find a spot that is out of direct sunlight for most of the day. Metals and some plastics can heat to high temperatures that cause skin burns almost instantaneously. You might use the shade of a nearby tree that does not have any low-hanging branches.
  
  

Slide Installation

• Anchor the bottom of the ladder and the lip of the bottom of the slide. If you are installing the slide in a region that has a large amount of rainfall, consider using long anchor screws. This type of hardware will reach a level of ground that remains fairly solid even after a moderate rainfall. If the slide is connected to the rest of the playground set, use the long anchors for the entire structure.
  
  Place the slide exit away from swings so a child coming down the slide does not interfere with a child on the swings. Inspect the slide for gaps or protruding pieces that can catch clothing or skin. Ensure that a freestanding slide has the necessary handrails alongside the ladder. The rails are not necessary at the entrance or the slide side of the platform. Consider placing a mat at the bottom of the slide to enhance comfort for children who fail to land on their feet.