Testing the Incline

I walked over to the pocket park down the block. The stainless steel slide was deserted and completely dry. Climbing the steps required a steady grip on the cold handrail, but the upper platform proved solid. I aligned myself squarely at the center of the chute, placed both hands flat against the cool metal, and nudged forward. The descent was smooth, noiseless, and lasted approximately two and a half seconds. No wobbling, no sudden drops, just clean kinetic motion. I came to a halt right at the flared lip, stepped down onto the rubber mulch, and turned around to inspect the track. A thoroughly acceptable piece of civil engineering.