Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Unlcked, empty outdoor playground.

68 replies

BatShite · 08/04/2020 14:10

Something I am weighing up in my head, not something I am already planning on doing or anything. Not just yet, still mulling over dso all opinions very welcome. Am possibly overthinking it too tbh.

We live opposite a large ish playground. There has been noone into it for at least a week, unless they go in on a nighttime when we can't see I guess.

Given we are allowed exercise aslong as its away from others..would it be unreasonable to let my kids go play in it for an hour or so? If anyone else came, we would leave, but I am not seeing the harm when its like a ghost town?

Would you 'risk' this? Friend told me it was stupid and reckless, but I really do not see how. I would probably even take a bottle of dettol or something and spray anything they are planning on using (as have been getting slightly paranoid recently) but I don't really see how this is a 'rulebreak', I guess besides that all playgrounds are meant to be shut. But its not, and its empty.

Would it be unreasonable to take them there..possibly regularly over the next few weeks, assuming it still stays empty?

OP posts:
Sirzy · 08/04/2020 14:12

The virus can live on surfaces.

If one person decides the rules don’t apply to them then others will start using it too therefore increasing risk.

It shouldn’t have to be padlocked for people to know to keep away and it sounds like in this case it doesn’t need to be if people are staying away

2beesornot2beesthatisthehoney · 08/04/2020 14:13

No that would not be reasonable. Sorry the rules are rotten but there for a reason . The virus can linger on surfaces.

MouthBreathingRage · 08/04/2020 14:14

Is it really worth the energy going over there, spending half the time wiping everything down, let the kids play then cleaning everything they touch? Also, if others see you do it, they might thinks it's ok for their kids to play, but not actually clean before or after. It's not worth it at the moment.

Cacaca · 08/04/2020 14:14

Ridiculously stupid - or don’t you think the rules apply to you. Once you’re seen in there, others will inevitably follow suit.

TildaTurnip · 08/04/2020 14:16

On the vote it says 113% YABU. I agree.

Sn0tnose · 08/04/2020 14:18

I wouldn’t. It can live on metal for some time and there’s no telling how recently it’s been used. It seems silly to be taking all of these sensible precautions only to catch it after a quick go on the swings.

Also, if people see you using it, they’ll do the same and before you know it, there’ll be a park full of kids from different households. Or someone will report you.

BogRollBOGOF · 08/04/2020 14:21

Sorry, I wouldn't, it's one of those things that is likely to quickly set a precedent of other people being less careful and begining to congregate.

Floobydoodoo · 08/04/2020 14:22

Yes it would be unreasonable. You know we are not supposed to be using playgrounds. What makes you special?

Cheerbear23 · 08/04/2020 14:23

It’s not following the rules and You’ll never be able to clean everything they touch.

Windyatthebeach · 08/04/2020 14:25

Unlocked maybe but unlicked you can't be sure!
We have had dc out on scooter /bike for extra effort exercise!

SquishySquirmy · 08/04/2020 14:28

We walk past loads of empty, untaped playgrounds when we go for our socially distant walks. My 5 yr old had been very understanding about not being allowed to use it. However, it would be so much harder if she saw other children on it!
Everyone has been so good about following the rules where I live (lots of young families, suburb with a small playground on every other street corner). This means the equipment is probably safe for one family to use... But it would be a bad idea.
Unfortunately, if no-one can use it then no-one can use it. Would be crap for other kids to see your kids on it (even if you immediately moved away) and if you know your neighbours would risk pissing them off at a time when neighbourly relations are important. It's a weird time at the moment, and tensions are running high.

salutationstou · 08/04/2020 14:28

There is a reason it's empty.
What do you think that reason is?

LIZS · 08/04/2020 14:29

Again? No, your child is not so special to ignore the closures. One child will attract more.

Heismyopendoor · 08/04/2020 14:29

YABU

TiredofSM · 08/04/2020 14:29

sigh

SquishySquirmy · 08/04/2020 14:29

I do understand the temptation by the way!

Lipz · 08/04/2020 14:30

As I said in another thread, It's quiet because others are respecting the rules.

You can't possibly wash and sanitise a whole playground. Not unless you are going to bring a heavy duty Steam cleaner.

Just because there is no padlock it doesn't mean its open. I guess they assumed people would understand when they say it's closed, people would not go in.

heartsonacake · 08/04/2020 14:30

YABU. It’s empty for a reason and the rules apply to you too.

tiredanddangerous · 08/04/2020 14:31

No you can’t because the virus lives on surfaces. It’s been empty for a reason.

EmeraldShamrock · 08/04/2020 14:31

No. If other DC see your DC playing it isn't fair if they are sticking to the rules.

happinessischocolate · 08/04/2020 14:31

There is a reason it's empty.
What do you think that reason is?

Just repeating this just incase you didn't understand it when pp posted it ....

gorbashthecat · 08/04/2020 14:32

Please don’t, it would be incredibly unfair on the families of the other children nearby. A lot of younger children wouldn’t understand why yours were allowed to break the rules and they weren’t. It’s hard but don’t degrade yourself to what would be a selfish act.

Mummyoflittledragon · 08/04/2020 14:32

The park near me just has signs. No children are playing in it. It would be very disrespectful to all the other children and their parents if you broke the rules. Yabvvvu.

Original poster
BatShite · 08/04/2020 14:33

113% yabu.

Fair enough, was just a thought tbh.

As for the rules aplying to everyone, I know this. Only DH has left house/garden so far, and thats been to do shopping twice since lockdown.

Didnt actually think of it as..wanting to break rules given its empty anyway. But I guess it is.. thanks a lot all :)

OP posts:
AmelieTaylor · 08/04/2020 14:34

I understand the temptation & not seeing the harm

However, the rules are for everyone! They shouldn't need to lick them for ADULTS to stick to the rules

What if 40 kids see you from the windows and all want to go? You're making other people's lives more difficult, upsetting lots of kids and it's it's just not right.