Roundabouts

Playground roundabouts help children develop their sense of balance and encourage group play. The range runs from traditional platform roundabouts to modern rotating models with handles and seats for different age groups.

A robust construction with bearings provides smooth, safe rotation through many years of outdoor use.

Local authorities and managers of recreational areas should include roundabouts in their periodic inspection schedules. Checking the bearings and fixing points helps to identify wear early, so the equipment does not have to be temporarily taken out of use. A roundabout works well alongside other classic items from our playground range, such as swings and slides.

Platform roundabouts, which children turn themselves, remain the most traditional and proven option. Newer models have handles at different heights, so children of different ages can play on them safely at the same time. This can be a real advantage at playgrounds visited by siblings of different ages.

The design of a roundabout should limit its speed of rotation so that it stays at a safe level, even when a larger group of children spins it hard together. A well-designed bearing mechanism provides smooth movement without sudden jerks that could make the children on it lose their balance.

The bearing system is the most critical part for long-term use. Cheaper systems based on simple plain bushings wear faster and are louder and noisier in operation than the professional ball bearings used in higher-grade equipment. This affects maintenance costs over several years of use.

The roundabout platform should have an anti-slip finish. This is especially important on damp days or just after rain, when a smooth surface greatly increases the risk of children slipping. Perforated metal sheet or a ribbed plastic surface works well for this and also keeps the structure rigid enough.

Because play on a roundabout is dynamic, it needs a much larger safety zone than static equipment. This should be considered when the whole playground layout is being designed. Leaving enough space between the roundabout and nearby equipment such as swings or slides helps to prevent collisions between children.