A traditional playground has a variety of typical playground equipment. Many investors do not know what to follow when choosing and how to find the right playground elements. The main aspects to consider are quality, compliance with standards, and to some extent, price. We would like to draw your attention to one more issue - the modularity of the equipment, and thus the possible modernization of the playground and its expansion. In this text we will focus on merry-go-rounds as an example of how the device can be configured for individual needs. We will also touch on the importance of playground repair and access to spare parts.
Classic playground equipment. What is a disc carousel?
To begin with, a quick introduction to the topic. Disc merry-go-rounds in playgrounds are popular devices, providing children with attractive fun while offering a variety of benefits: developing balance, coordination, and group cooperation skills. They are usually built with a platform on which children can stand, sit or hold on to a handrail. The merry-go-rounds are powered mechanically - usually by turning by hand or with the help of caregivers outside the device.
Equipment for a public children's playground - carousel: classic and modern
There are many types of carousels available on the market. However, sometimes it can be difficult to match the vision of the designer or the assumptions of conservationists. However, not everyone knows that our design team has developed a series of carousels designed for customization. The frame (base) of the carousel to the floor based on a sturdy rotating mechanism and galvanized construction was created. The entire device (rotating pole/mechanism and frame) has been tested by TUV and certified, which proves the high standards of the product. The device is capable of supporting up to 500 kg (point load measurement).
How to build a carousel for a playground?
When designing this base with all the modules designed for it, we focused on making the assembly process as simple as possible. An experienced team will erect the structure quickly and efficiently. It is important that the installers have skill, because even the best device poorly installed will turn a safe playground into a dangerous trap. Below are the basic modules for configuring a carousel.
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Disc carousel on base 1200 mm
Two available floor types: aluminum or HPL board. Stainless steel finish or powder-coated version (RAL colors)
Disc carousel on a 1500 mm base
Two available floor types: aluminum or HPL board. Stainless steel finish or powder-coated version (RAL colors)
- "Spider" type
- With seats (5 pieces), full railing and handlebars
- with large seat, open railing and handlebars
- with large seat, full railing and handlebars
Carousel base for wooden flooring
The structure for the wooden housing comes in a diameter of 1500 mm. You can use for it top elements from our offer or according to your own design. Wooden or metal. Examples of configuration options are:
- "Spider" type
- With seats (5 pieces), full railing and handlebars
- with large seat, open railing and handlebars
- with large seat, full railing and handlebars
Pillar carousels - "Twister"
A small carousel consisting of a pole and a rotating disk. Two versions of the finish - stainless steel or powder coating. As these are smaller, simpler designs the configuration possibilities are also fewer. They come in versions:
Rotary post, or the foundation and heart of the carousel
Another solution that offers many configuration possibilities are rotating posts made of fi 133 mm pipe, hot-dip galvanized. They contain a mechanism on which the base of the carousel rotates, as well as an anchor for concreting that provides a solid foundation for the whole device. The rotating post comes in three versions designed for different platforms:
- Rotary post Type I: designed for mounting on it a platform with a diameter of up to 1500 mm
- Rotary post Type II: designed for mounting on it a platform with a diameter of up to 1800 mm
- Rotary post Type III: designed for mounting on it a platform with a diameter of up to 1800 mm, including the steering wheel
The devices shown provide many opportunities for any carousel development, such as placing a wooden sculpture or other structure in the center.
What standards must playground equipment meet?
Although merry-go-rounds offer a lot of fun, they can also involve certain risks. For this reason, the design and use of merry-go-rounds in playgrounds must comply with safety standards, and the design staff must be thoroughly familiar with EN 1176.
If your task is to create a safe playground in a public space, do not take risks and always choose a manufacturer specialized in the EN 1176 standard. First of all, you will get a high-quality product, and secondly, you will save yourself potential problems and additional expenses. You can read more about the assumptions of the standard HERE
Playground design - how to choose the right equipment and devices?
Carousels must, first of all, have a stable structure and be firmly fixed in the ground to prevent them from falling over. The structure should be made of materials resistant to damage, corrosion, as well as safe in contact with children (e.g. no sharp edges, use of non-slip materials).
The mechanism should be designed so that the structure of the device does not rotate at excessive speed, which could lead to falls and injuries. Carousels should be designed with the appropriate age of children in mind to avoid overloading the device.
The layout of the playground should take into account the so-called safe zones. What are these? These are safe spaces that surround freestanding playground equipment. Their purpose is mainly to prevent interaction between the various pieces of equipment, thus avoiding collisions and accidents.
Maintenance and repairs
Public spaces like a school or city playground need to be arranged sensibly. Durability of equipment is important, but let's not kid ourselves - with intensive use, the question is not if, but when a playground component will need repair or replacement. Therefore, already at the planning stage, look for manufacturers that provide access to spare parts and upgrade options.
Regular maintenance and inspection of playgrounds is another important point in the administration of this type of space. It prolongs the life of the equipment and ensures its proper functioning. In the case of a merry-go-round, you need to check the condition of the surface and any looseness of the screws, as well as the mechanism - whether everything spins properly, without friction or grinding.
The right choice of playground equipment - why is it so important?
In conclusion, playground merry-go-rounds, if properly designed, installed and used, will become a source of great fun, development and enjoyment for children. For an investor, a well-chosen model from a proven supplier is an investment in safety and peace of mind. For this reason, opt for merry-go-rounds and other classic playground equipment such as swings, spring rockers, slides only from companies that put the quality of their products and compliance with EU standards first. A few hundred zlotys saved on a device from a cheaper manufacturer can, unfortunately, quickly pay off.
