Abstract: A playground slide includes a hollow vertical column consisting of substantially identical hollow hubs which register with each other to define the column. The topmost and lowermost hubs are urged toward each other by a resilient device, anchored to a base. The device is typically a spring, running internally of the vertical column. This compresses the vertical column, ensures stiffness, and allows for expansion and contraction. A helical slideway encircles the column, consisting of slide segments that are fastened to each other and to the various hubs.