KYODO NEWS - May 11, 2019 - 21:00 | Lifestyle, All

A circular swing set in Kitakyushu, southwestern Japan, measuring 163 meters around was recognized Saturday as the longest in the world.

The 100-seat swing set in Hibikinada Green Park was awarded the Guinness World Record after a commemorative event in which children were invited to give it a test run.

"It's like a dream, having this many swings to play on," said 12-year-old Keisuke Hara.

The city government spent roughly 120 million yen ($1 million) to build the giant structure at a time when older swing sets that no longer meet safety standards are being taken down throughout Japan.

"There was a lot of demand for new swings from parents of small children," said an official.

The previous record holder was a 133-meter-long swing set in the Netherlands that was recognized in 1998.

Hibikinada Green Park, which has an admission fee of 70 to 150 yen, also features a pony corral, kangaroo petting zoo, botanical gardens, cycling course and barbeque space.