Classic Playground Merry Go Round

This is one of Orange County's last real-deal-spin-until-you-fall-off-and-get-hurt playground merry go rounds. Also known as a whirl, spin away, or that's how I got this scar or lost my front tooth. Yes, today some playground have imitations of these but they are made to be safer and slower. They have governors, mechanical speed control devices, to keep them from reaching "Hey, slow down, I'm sliding off!" speeds.

This beauty is in a private park on Lido Isle in Newport Beach. Although the park is intended for residents of Lido Isle only it is not gated. The park looks out to Newport Bay from Via Lido Nord. There's a few parking spots along the street. There are no bathrooms - remember, this is a private park.

It's good to see this classic whirl is still being enjoyed. Notice the footprints circling the equipment. Of course the reason you don't see these merry go rounds too much anymore is because the chance of injury or lawsuit when someone decides to let go or walk across the whirl while it's still spinning. I'm glad my kids had a chance to have some oddballkidfun on this one.

Hurray for the back-in-the-day-spin-away by the bay. Remember to have fun and hold on tight!