No sure if this is cheeky fuckery or ingenious

[Bluebelldaisy]

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.

I back onto a park/playing field and was shocked to see, on Bank Holiday weekend, someone setting up a small marquee and loads of massive speakers . Then the cars and people began to arrive... lots of both. I assumed they had permission but someone else went out and began to shout and rant and it seemed they just thought it was a good free place for a party. Thankfully they got moved on when the Parish councillor threatened to call the police.

A kids party I would put up with. They rarely last more than a couple of hours, but I would hope that other park users were still able to use the facilities without problems.

This happens all the time in Australia. Most people have parties in the local park (adults and children alike!) . No one books or applies for permission, they just set up gazebos, tie balloons, put tablecloths on a couple of the bench tables and have a section to themselves. There are often barbecue facilities (gas fired) in the local parks there, so I think the council must expect it.

I think if it hadn't been for the bouncy castles etc I would say it was a good idea but I'm surprised the bouncy castle company was happy to set it up in a public park without permission, health and safety nightmare!

Gazebos fine. Having a gathering fine.

The bouncy castles etc you would definitely need permission round here. And if they (unlikely) gave permission you have to fill out your risk assessment and agree to certain safety standards. The council's quite hot on it.

Best thing to do would be round up a large number of children and go and join in because if it was in a public place, it obviously is open to the public. Bet they wouldn't have tried again

Gazebo and tables, fine. But bouncy castles, etc, you'd need permission. And public liability insurance if anything went wrong.

The response to this is very British i’d say. Horror and outrage!!
It’s quite common all over Europe and America to use community spaces that are for children for parties etc.
We have community areas where we live and can’t believe nobody uses them 🤷‍♀️
Our dc are to old now but we used to use them and people would always be amazed and interested but follow up with I could never do that.... why ????
It is not acceptable to take over s children’s park though and making it uncomfortable for the public. They should set up their bunting etc away from the park allowing their dc access but not putting off anyone else. They should also not have speakers, but low level is ok. You should also be prepared for random dc to join in on occasion

My friend did a way smaller version of this once. She put up bunting around 3 picnic benches (they were in a row) and had an early morning party (10.30-12.30) it was lovely. The kids played (about 10 of them) and the adults sat n chatted 🙌 the bouncy castle is a step too far imo. I think if you are using a corner of a park fine but not the WHOLE park.

If I came across this scenario, you'd see me let my autistic son run absolute riot through the party

Having a party in a park: lovely idea.

Taking over so much space that other members of the public are unable (or feel too intimidated) to use the park: height of CFuckery

If they're going to set up inflatables they need to be prepared for any passing kids to use them.

Fun they had just wanted to have their party at the park then that’s fine. But to completely take over the whole space, so much so that others can’t use it is CFery. They’re perfectly allowed to use the park however they want, what they aren’t allowed to do is stop others using it as well.

Definitely CFs if no one else can use the play area. It’s actually very selfish to take over that space so that others can’t use it. Unfortunately being a selfish CF seems quite normal these days.

I think using part of the park is fine with gazebo for food etc and blankets, but taking up too much space with a bouncy castle etc is selfish. Other children should have had space to play.

I thought about a company setting up a bouncy castle and slide on a park but then I thought they might know someone and got round it that why.
You could end up with party wars if 2 or more parties turn up at the same time

I think its absolutely fine for a childrens party in the park .However the Bouncy Castle maybe a step too far!.Surely though for just a couple of hours not worth fussing about !.Different story if loads of teenagers decided to have an all night rave or something!

I'm really surprised the bouncy castle company agreed to rent under those circumstances.

I did my daughter's party in a park once. We just had a picnic in the corner of a park. Ww bought some games, toys and a picnic. But taking over the area is totally different and not on.

Fine if you are ok for everyone else to join in. Otherwise no proper CF

If I came across this scenario, you'd see me let my autistic son run absolute riot through the party grin

That’s not even funny.