PRESS ROOM
<b>Press Release, Interview Ideas, Images, Videos and More</b>
FAMILY THAT CREATED HULA HOOP®, SLIP 'N SLIDE®, AND FRISBEE® RELAUNCH WITH PHYS-ACTIVE THRILL-RIDE FOR A NEW GENERATION OF FUN
Crab Orchard, KY — June 30, 2025 — Spud 'N Rich, the legacy behind iconic American toys like the Hula Hoop®, Frisbee®, and Super Ball®, proudly introduces WhirlyGoRound, a handcrafted indoor play experience that transforms any room into a whirlwind of active fun for kids aged 4–8. Inspired by a childhood memory of Chuck Knerr, son of Rich Knerr, this phys-activated toy brings the timeless joy of Spud and Rich’s creations to a new generation.
WhirlyGoRound, powered by children’s core muscles and the Earth’s gravity, delivers exhilarating spins that spark imagination and promote healthy development. Originally conceived by Rich Knerr and tested by a young Chuck, the idea was shelved during the Slip 'N Slide® boom. Decades later, Chuck reimagined it as a sustainable, heirloom-quality bamboo toy—durable, eco-friendly, and designed for years of shared fun among siblings and friends.
In a world of screen-based play, WhirlyGoRound stands out by encouraging physical activity and vestibular stimulation, which supports brain development, balance, coordination, and focus. “We’re bringing back the active, joyful play that Spud and Rich championed,” says Chuck Knerr. “WhirlyGoRound isn’t just a toy—it’s a way to nurture kids’ growth while creating unforgettable childhood memories.”
Crafted with care from sustainable bamboo, WhirlyGoRound blends durability with environmental responsibility, making it a toy families can cherish for generations. Discover the magic of phys-active fun at whirlygoround.com.
###
About Spud 'N Rich
Spud 'N Rich, creators of beloved toys like the Hula Hoop®, Frisbee®, and Slip 'N Slide®, inspire active play that nurtures children’s natural abilities. With WhirlyGoRound, Chuck Knerr continues this legacy, crafting sustainable, phys-active toys that bring joy and development to young adventurers.
it was fun
IT WAS FAMILY
Spud and Rich created more than just a company in Wham-O®—they built a close-knit family. Whether you were an office employee or worked in the factory, walking through Dad's open door meant being greeted by name and welcomed with open arms. The sense of belonging and connection extended throughout the entire organization.
Even after the business transitioned to new owners and moved overseas, the spirit of the Wham-O family endured. Former employees would gather twice a year for heartwarming lunches at a local cafeteria, reminiscing about cherished memories and embracing the fellowship that felt like home. Despite living out of state, Chuck made it a point to attend these reunions multiple times. Listening to the affectionate stories about his dad and Spud, he couldn't help but feel a mix of joy and sadness, knowing how much they all missed working together. It was a poignant reminder that something truly special had slipped away.
Now, Spud 'N Rich aspires to create a new family—a community of parents and children united by a shared love of fun and play. Just as Wham-O® once fostered a sense of togetherness, Spud'N Rich aims to recreate that warm and inclusive environment. With Whirly•Go•Round as the catalyst, they invite everyone to join this new chapter and experience the joy of being part of a fun-loving family once again. Together, let's create lasting memories and forge lifelong connections.
WHAM-O
GLORY DAYS GONE
Wham-O is still in business, albeit in the shadow of their glory days. Spud and Rich sold their company in 1982. There have been five different owners since, including Mattel, that haven't understood the essence of the brand: Constant product innovation that brings kids and parents joy.
FUN INTERVIEW TOPICS
How the Knerr and Melin kids would look forward to dad coming home with a new fun idea. What Spud and Rich looked for as their kids played with the toys.
Not all the toy ideas were winners. How Instant Fish was bigger than Hula Hoop but was dead on arrival. Why even a celebrity couldn't change the fate of Poke-A-Bone. What was a mink stole for your navel?!
Why the Frisbee Pie company story is wrong. How Super Ball was the inspiration for the Super Bowl. Was there a Disney connection? Um, Water Weenie?!
Video games condition young brains to expect immediate gratification which leaves them unprepared for real life. Learning to spin on WhirlyGoRound is not only thrilling, it gives them a sense of accomplishment in the real world. That's so important for developing a work ethic and responsibilities.
Kids love to spin because it feels good. Spinning feels good because it provides powerful vestibular stimulation that enhances balance, coordination, spatial awareness, ability to focus on tasks and even the ability to concentrate in class. It's thought that vestibular stimulation helps young brains develop, probably why it feels good. Also why it doesn't feel good for adults!
Kids are being sucked into an artificial world of digital distractions. Children ought to be grounded in the real world. Whirly•Go•Round makes the real world real fun.
OUR VALUES
FAITH, FAMILY & FUN
Fostering the Development of Children's God-given Abilities Through Physically Active Play.
SPUD 'N RICH
The Knerr patio where Chuck tested the WhirlyGoRound prototype.
Chuck sold Slip 'N Slide® door-to-door that summer.
"Spud was the brother Dad never had so he felt like my uncle," said Chuck.
TIME magazine 1958. There had never been such demand for any product. In April they couldn't make them fast enough. By September, you couldn't give them away because every household had one or two.
LIFE magazine 1965. The year of Super Ball®. A very specific recipe for cooking rubber resulted in a ball that would seemingly bounce forever and if you threw it down hard enough, might go into orbit.
The LIFE photographer brought a model (secretary) to play it straight while the "boys" played. They're not your typical 'Man in the Gray Flannel Suit' businessmen.
Before they made toys, Spud and Rich made Sporting Goods. Their first product was a wooden slingshot sold by mail order.
Practicing with another product (Sportsman Crossbow), they made everything fun.
They started Wham-O® by making slingshots in Chuck's grandparents' garage.
On Spud's desk are Hula Hoop®, Monster Magnet® and Willie. Rich is cocking an Air Blaster while Spud holds a Boomerang.
The Frisbee® on the desk holds the Kleenex 'targets,' which Spud tossed in the air for Rich to shoot.
Spud was caught in the act, spraying co-workers with Silly String®.
In the Knerr's back yard, Chuck is piloting Aqua Jet while his sister Lori cheers.
In the Melin's front yard, Rich directs a photographer as they shoot a commerical for Monster Bubble. Chuck is watching and learning.
Also at the Melin's, his daughters and neighbor kids were featured on the Slip 'N Slide® box.
Water Wiggle was another summer water toy known for "cool splashing fun."
Super Stuff was a powder created by an oil company to prime their wells but it didn't work. Spud and Rich saw a gooey bit of fun.
A big day for everyone as the millionth Super Ball came off the assembly line.
Beginning in 1976, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum held an annual Frisbee® Day on the mall in Washington DC.
Rich in the Smithsonian, taking in the Frisbee® display.
Spud and Rich were invited to speak on Frisbee® Day.
WHIRLYGOROUND
