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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to think this isn't specific enough?

31 replies

Mumshotel · 14/08/2018 22:44

There is a large park/nature reserve local to us. We often take the children for walks. They lock the gates in the eve at 'dusk' and I find this incredibly anxiety causing. Wtf is dusk its too fucking general. What if I get locked in. Too much vagueness. Too much anxiety. Just say a specific time

OP posts:
ThinkingCat · 14/08/2018 22:51

I understand what you mean. Perhaps you could contact someone and ask them what time the gates are being locked in August. The staff must have agreed hours they work.

Phosphorus · 14/08/2018 22:51

I'm sure if you get locked in, they'll let you out again. Grin

I think it's nice, kind of old fashioned. The park belongs to the wildlife after dark, all safe from harm.

BuddingGardener2017 · 14/08/2018 22:52

The council parks round here say "dusk" on the gates but the website states what time "dusk" is in different months. Have you googled?

AppleKatie · 14/08/2018 23:09

I agree, this gives me the anxiety rage too.

I simply wouldn’t go after about 4pm in summer to be safe. But that is a bit limiting...

Birdsgottafly · 14/08/2018 23:36

I don't understand why you wouldn't google it, or ask.

Dusk, this month is 9pm. It is isn't general, it has set times.

Birdsgottafly · 14/08/2018 23:38

AppleKatie dusk is later in Summer. It's when the light starts to go.

VeniVidiWeeWee · 15/08/2018 01:16

Birds It changes daily but, yes, generally the period from sunset to darkness.

KeepServingTheDrinks · 15/08/2018 01:23

Um... Have you tried looking up at the thing that some people call "the sky"?

Night's ARE drawing in, but by minutes, not by hours and hours. What time did it start getting dark yesterday? Take about 3 or 4 minutes off that time. Talk 10 to be safe or 30 to be super safe, and I'm sure you'll be fine.

Maybe hang around the gates and talk to the staff who are locking up and ask them about it? They'll probably have a reasonable idea what time they have to do this task.

If you're still worried, take a mobile with you so you can call for help.
If there's no signal there, or you're still worried, go with a step ladder, so you can climb out. HTH.

MyDirtyLittleSecret · 15/08/2018 01:27

When the sun is low on the Western horizon and it's starting to get dark - that's dusk OP, or you could just google what time dusk is in your part of the world before you leave for the park.

AnExcellentUsername · 15/08/2018 01:29

I know this sounds crazy, but have you considered asking staff what time they plan on closing?

BarbaraofSevillle · 15/08/2018 07:23

Dusk at this time of year is 9 pm. Are you expecting to be out feeding the ducks with your DCs after 9 pm?

As you're so worried about it, I'd aim to be back in the car by 8 to be safe, but it's always worth calling the council/park managers if you want to be sure.

It might not be as simple as 'don't worry, they'll let you out again' as they might charge a call out fee or simply refuse until the morning and expect you to get home by other means and collect your car during opening hours the next day.

MissusGeneHunt · 15/08/2018 08:08

BBC weather app shows sun down and up and a Google search on 'what time is dusk' shows the time for your location.

I would imagine they are not specific is that otherwise the sign would be bloody long!!

Peachsploosh · 15/08/2018 08:16

Surely they don’t just turn up, lock the gates & drive off again? Our park has 3 entry/exit points. The people who lock the gates (at dusk) drive around & ask anyone who is still there to leave. There’s no chance of getting locked in unless you’re deliberately hiding from them!
I think it’s a vague time because they drive around locking all the parks in the area & can’t be too specific about how long it will take them.

Original poster
Mumshotel · 15/08/2018 08:41

I had no idea dusk had a time. Thank you. I thought it was just like saying 'evening'.

Not any staff about. But i will use Google. Thank you x

OP posts:
Original poster
Mumshotel · 15/08/2018 08:43

Ha ha. A step ladder 😂😂😂

OP posts:
Original poster
Mumshotel · 15/08/2018 08:48

🤣 no, no hiding from staff. But im definately less anxious now i know dusk has an actual time that can be googled.
How did i get to 38 without knowing this? ... so much anxiety has been wasted in Parks 😆. Nervous sweaty moustash appearing as soon as the night starts to draw in and mass panic rounding kids up.

OP posts:
CSIblonde · 15/08/2018 08:53

Well it's when it starts to get dark, so prob 9ish come Summer and 4ish in Winter. HTH. Don't panic, just leave well before then.

PattiStanger · 15/08/2018 09:14

Not going to a park after 4pm in the summer because of a dusk closing time is ridiculous, how can you not know what time it starts to get dark?

fearfultrill · 15/08/2018 09:49

They locked the park I used to live near at 9pm each night, but they came to warn you it was being liked in 10 mins so you were aware. Maybe they do this?

FrancisCrawford · 15/08/2018 09:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bullyingadvice2017 · 15/08/2018 10:00

My parents once had to walk home from a park in our town, as the car got locked in. I always park on the rd nearby, as I'm too mean to pay the pound.

WomanWithAltitude · 15/08/2018 10:08

You can Google when dusk is in your area. Dusk is after sunset, only just before it gets fully dark (so is pretty late at this time of year).

CatLadyToddlerMother · 15/08/2018 10:13

There's a park near me that shuts at dusk but they have a Facebook page and post daily what time they're shutting the gates, it's usually around 8.30pm at the moment.

AngelsWithSilverWings · 15/08/2018 10:17

Due to cost cutting by the local council our local park is no longer closed at night. They can no longer afford to pay someone to go and lock it and unlock it each day. Local residents have offered to volunteer to hold the keys but the council wouldn't have it.

It's now being ruined at night by drug users and teenagers who use it as a place to hang out and drink. They leave it in a right mess.

Original poster
Mumshotel · 15/08/2018 10:20

I hate that angels. Parks are lovely and free and horrible that they ruined by a selfish few

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