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Original poster

No sure if this is cheeky fuckery or ingenious

42 replies

Bluebelldaisy · 14/09/2019 22:46

Went to take my little boy to a park today with my mum and dad. Public Park that has a play area and a big field.
We got there and it was really busy with cars and then realised as we walked up that someone was throwing a 7th birthday party on the park. They had set up gazebos next to the play equipment and had also set up a bouncy castle and big slide. There were also different games set up all over the field.

We decided to leave and go to another park as we were in the car but another women had gone across and was shouting going mad asking if they had permission and why had they taken up the whole of a public park including the play area for a party.

A man I am assuming the dad said they didn’t have permission but no one can stop us
The women said she was going to call the council as her sons didn’t even have room to play football on the field (they didn’t in fairness) and she was on foot so could not go to another park. (Good luck on a Saturday I am thinking)
Anyway the argument was going on but we came away then and went to another park. No sure how I feel I mean we could go to another park as in the car but I can see why someone who coundnt would be annoyed that her sons has no room to play without getting in the way of the party.

OP posts:
KurriKawari · 14/09/2019 22:52

CF and selfish.

Nc1737383 · 14/09/2019 22:54

Wow, I think that’s both!

CherryPlum · 14/09/2019 22:55

I think it's a good idea, why not. If the weather's nice why pay £££ for an indoor softplay type party.

Original poster
Bluebelldaisy · 14/09/2019 22:56

I really can’t decide. I would have been interesting to see how they wound have reacted if we had stayed and tried to play around them but Ds likes to belt a football really hard on a park and I didn’t think that would end well

OP posts:
NeverTwerkNaked · 14/09/2019 22:57

Tbh they probably did need permission. Certainly if someone did something on that scale in my area they would (I work for the local authority)

sheshootssheimplores · 14/09/2019 22:58

I’ve seen similar and I wasn’t happy. Wouldn’t start shouting though.

blaaake · 14/09/2019 22:58

I'd have told ds to boot the football at them or done it myself

feathermucker · 14/09/2019 22:58

Definitely cheeky and more than a bit rude.

Sparklingbrook · 14/09/2019 22:58

Yep CF and selfish. especially setting up next to the play equipment.

Mac47 · 14/09/2019 22:59

Think it's a bit of 6 and 2 3s really. Why does the kid's need to play football trump the other group? I can't envisage a public park that is so small all those things couldn't not co exist, so possibly it is CF as they must have set up the equivalent of a fairground to take over the entire space.
As an aside, lots of people do this on hampstead heath and it always looks lovely, although they obviously dont take over the entire heath...

Original poster
Bluebelldaisy · 14/09/2019 22:59

I thought as well that they would need permission. I am wondering if they would have been given it? i am guessing not with all the health and safety rules especially with the play equipment

OP posts:
TyneTeas · 14/09/2019 23:00

I don't think having a party in a park in itself is CF, but the taking over the space in the way you describe is.

Did they have super soakers?

Aderyn19 · 14/09/2019 23:00

I think CF. Fine to have the party and one gazebo, but not on to use up public space with a bouncy castle or put up more than one gazebo unless they are inviting every kid in the park to use those facilities. The grounds are for the use of everyone, not just a single family. Taking over the whole play area is really rude and selfish.

Whiskeinthejar · 14/09/2019 23:01

Permission or not, if you take up so much room that other feel feel intimidated enough to leave and go to another park, that's not on.

Beacauseisaidso · 14/09/2019 23:02

I think the bouncy castle and slide pushes to BU. Without this, is gazebo and games would be fine in a reasonable sized space. Lots of people do this at the country park near me.

SuzieQ10 · 14/09/2019 23:02

CF that they were taking up that much space that other people couldn't enjoy the park too.

Original poster
Bluebelldaisy · 14/09/2019 23:03

I know I think i am leaning towards CF with the amount of space they took over including the play equipment. I mean there nothing to stop other kids going on it but with the gazebos being right next to it they kind of marked it as their territory.

OP posts:
Jozen · 14/09/2019 23:04

Fine to set up a table or two under a gazebo in a corner of the park and share the facilities with other park users. It's the done thing where I live.
Taking over the park so others can't play ball games or use the play area..nope, that's cheekyfuckery.

Flangango · 14/09/2019 23:05

Most parks will be able to close areas off for events at discretion of council, or whoever runs it. Our local town council will allow parties or events as long as they don't prevent others from crossing the park or use of the facilities therein. A gathering would be acceptable but taking up the whole area would require permits and permissions.

Ghostpost · 14/09/2019 23:06

Wow. That’s a really good idea. I thought you’d need permission to do something like that? I would love to do a kids birthday party at the park, but all my children are winter borns.

I’m going to look this up actually. Winter inflatable party and hot chocolate in the park sounds fun to me.

timshelthechoice · 14/09/2019 23:12

CF

GeoffreyAndBungle · 15/09/2019 08:08

CF if it meant there was not enough room for other people to play and enjoy the park.

Fine if there is still plenty of space for everyone else.

Deathraystare · 15/09/2019 08:12

Surely they would need permission. What if there were regular sporting going s on?

Deathraystare · 15/09/2019 08:13

Oh and putting on a health and safety hat - if something happened and someone got injured - if they had no permission they could hardly blame the council could they??

flumpybear · 15/09/2019 08:21

Hhhmmmm tricky one, it's CF alright but I guess if the signs on the entrance of the park don't suggest you can't put up gazebos / tents etc then I suppose they're able to plead ignorance

But yes, CF and unfair on everyone else wanting to use the park

Watch them, they'll be building a house next week Wink