To expect an outdoor gym to not be used as a playground by children?

[FrangipaniDeLaSqueegeeMop]

Went for a run yesterday and afterwards went into an outdoor gym which is (unfortunately) next to a kids' play park. There are some weights attached to vertical beams, an exercise bike, ropes, cross trainer and markings on the ground for relay runs. Loads of signs saying age 13+ only and children weren't to use it as play equipment.

It was absolutely over run with small kids aged about 4-10 climbing all over it, using the equipment and just generally getting in the way while their parents sat in the play park in clear sight of them doing nothing. When I did manage to use some equipment kids were waiting as if we were taking turns. I'd been on the exercise bike for about 15 minutes with one little girl who was about 6 staring at me...she went to get her mum who actually came and asked if her DD could have a go as she'd been waiting for ages I said no this bike is for adults and they she got all huffy and was all "Never mind darling, the lady won't get off so we'll have to just wait won't we". I was then doing relays on the markings and they were running in front of me nearly knocking into me. I gave up in the end!

Is it really so much to ask that parents tell their children to keep out of adult only areas and stay in the massive park built for children? Want to go again today as it's a great little gym, council spent a small fortune but CBA with all the unsupervised kids.

@shouldistop

That is annoying. We have the opposite problem, a couple of local personal trainers taking their clients into the kids playpark and using the equipment with resistance bands etc and they're in the way of the swings.

The only solution to this is a good kick out as the kids swing

You know kids, they play on anything. That's what they do! To a child it will definitely look like playground equipment not serious grownup workout equipment.

My DH would think it is fine to do most of this

Hark! A man hath spoken. We shall hereafter be silenced

1, its not about being afraid to tell kids no. If kids were being rude to you or behaving badly, id tell my kids no. If my kids were playing on an outdoor gym, I wouldnt necessarily tell them to move. I might, but I just wouldnt feel obliged to.
If you wanted to ask the child if you could have a turn, then I wouldnt have a problem with that and id hope my child would hurry up for you. Id encourage them to hurry up even.

I also wouldnt complain if they hurt themselves at the park playing on equipment, as thats the risk you take playing outdoors on stuff. Trees arent safe to climb. trampolines arent safe to jump on. roundabouts can be pretty dangerous, and who hasnt fallen off a swing or a bike?

@Goldenbear

All these out of control children, getting fresh air, exercising and using equipment - terrible situation.

Why do they have to be in an adult only area to do that? Can't they do that in, you know...the play park next door?

@Goldenbear

I think it is vile to refer to children as 'little shits' especially if they are acting their age and asking to have a turn on something that won't harm them.

It had been a difficult year to be a child, locked away, restricted. Surely as a parent you can understand that and be more supportive of parents that are just trying to facilitate a bit of fun for their child, seemingly in a polite way. It is not neglectful parenting, it is the opposite, it is trying to make up for quite a horrible time.

But why can't they have fun in the park designed for them?

And why exactly do you think it's a 13+ age restriction @Goldenbear - do you think they drew a random number from a game of bingo?

If its in a public place not sure it can be adult only, we can share these spaces surely, or go when it's quiet

@Novelusername

What I'm getting from this thread, with men taking over the children's playground and a woman being prevented from using an adult gym by kids, is that in public space the priority goes: 1/ men 2/ children 3/ women

Yep. This is a constant pattern on MN posts.

Actually scrap that, I think it goes

1. Men
2. Children
3. Dogs
4. Women

@Goldenbear

But adults have not lived through a pandemic as children and had 1.5 years of their childhood taken from them. I think children should be a priority for a 'decent' society and their needs met before adults at a broader level as they cannot advocate for themselves.

So you think that means having access to all areas and spaces meant for others? You think that means exposing them to dangerous equipment. I don't actually agree with your sentiment but if I did I'd say that could easily be done whilst telling them to play on the area that's safely designed for them

@Branleuse

1, its not about being afraid to tell kids no. If kids were being rude to you or behaving badly, id tell my kids no. If my kids were playing on an outdoor gym, I wouldnt necessarily tell them to move. I might, but I just wouldnt feel obliged to. If you wanted to ask the child if you could have a turn, then I wouldnt have a problem with that and id hope my child would hurry up for you. Id encourage them to hurry up even.

I also wouldnt complain if they hurt themselves at the park playing on equipment, as thats the risk you take playing outdoors on stuff. Trees arent safe to climb. trampolines arent safe to jump on. roundabouts can be pretty dangerous, and who hasnt fallen off a swing or a bike?

How generous of you, being willing to encourage your child to hurry up using a piece of equipment they’re not permitted to use, so that someone who is can use it instead.

I give up.

"There's not a "no children allowed" sign for a reason" - There are 'No children under the age of 14 allowed" on all the outdoor gym equipment here."

There are under 14 only signs in the playgrounds we take ds who is 16, too. We still use them because we know we can make sure he uses the appropriate bits in a safe way.

You know kids, they play on anything. That's what they do! To a child it will definitely look like playground equipment not serious grownup workout equipment.

And that's why they have to have a responsible adult with them, to tell them "no" occasionally. Surely an adult can differentiate between children's play equipment and that for adults.

yanbu

@Alpines

I think some people have the wrong end of the stick. The equipment is designed to be used for 13+ not that children can't use it. They are just as entitled to use it as anyone else if they want a go. There's not a "no children allowed" sign for a reason. But do ask the council for one if you really want to know.

It says 13+ only. That's a rule not a guideline.

There are weights on verticals poles that go from 8kg up to 24kg. It would take very little for a child to drop one on their foot. It is most certainly not free for toddlers to use

Yanbu. We have a similar adult outdoor gym positioned between 2 dog parks. In the last year I've witnessed 3 accidents from kids playing on/around the equipment. Two looked quite serious.

Apart from how selfish it is, the sheer idiocy of the parents on those occasions astounds me.

@Branleuse

1, its not about being afraid to tell kids no. If kids were being rude to you or behaving badly, id tell my kids no. If my kids were playing on an outdoor gym, I wouldnt necessarily tell them to move. I might, but I just wouldnt feel obliged to. If you wanted to ask the child if you could have a turn, then I wouldnt have a problem with that and id hope my child would hurry up for you. Id encourage them to hurry up even.

I also wouldnt complain if they hurt themselves at the park playing on equipment, as thats the risk you take playing outdoors on stuff. Trees arent safe to climb. trampolines arent safe to jump on. roundabouts can be pretty dangerous, and who hasnt fallen off a swing or a bike?

Why exactly wouldn't you tell them to get out of an area that's unsafe and not made for them?

Lol at I should wait for a child to get off gym equipment. Move them out the fucking way it's not for them

YADNBU

At our closest park we have the opposite problem of a playground and outdoor gym next to each other but always adult men working out on the play equipment (pull ups under the climbing frame, on the monkey bars and swing frames, etc) 🙄

I think it's fair for kids to use the equipment if they are free. Adults take priority and the kids go away when an adult shows up (or move to the other side). Similarly if kids monkey bars are free and there are no kids around, it's fair for adults to use them. If a kid comes then adults move.

I like to use one of the big swings at my local park. If I hear a kid coming, I leave and let them have their space.

because its a public park dear on a sunny saturday and youre not the slightest bit concerned for their safety, you are just impatient. I dont see the outdoor gyms as serious workout kit. They arent adjustable, they arent heavy, theyre designed so that teens who are too big for the park can still play. Not so big adults can come and try and dominate and throw their weight around. If there were no kids on it, then thats fine, have a go, but if youve ever been to an actual gym, these things are no comparison.
I dont expect adults to go on the childrens equipment either. I think its cheeky and a pisstake, as is it for you to try and stop kids playing.
If it was actually dangerous for children, then they would have barricaded it off. The 13+ is to protect them from being sued, but its not the law. Its advisory.
I think this is nuts. My kids are all over 13 anyway, but even so

Adults on children's equipment can weaken the structural integrity. They are designed with children's weights in mind. Adults should not be on them.

Outdoor exercise gym equipment is designed with teenagers and adults in mind. It is NOT SAFE for little ones. This equipment is absolutely designed for adults to come and use. There should be no need to dominate or throw weight around, because for their own safety children under that age simply should not be there.

OP is cross her workout was spoiled by children, and some pps are all about telling off the nasty grinch lady who won't give way for the poor little children. They're so keen to do that, that they're missing the safety point.

Those who have inquisitive children - by all means tell them what the equipment is, sit and use it yourself to show them, if you really must then sit them on your knee and do it with them. But for their safety, do NOT encourage them to go on them until past the age signposted.

@Branleuse

because its a public park dear on a sunny saturday and youre not the slightest bit concerned for their safety, you are just impatient. I dont see the outdoor gyms as serious workout kit. They arent adjustable, they arent heavy, theyre designed so that teens who are too big for the park can still play. Not so big adults can come and try and dominate and throw their weight around. If there were no kids on it, then thats fine, have a go, but if youve ever been to an actual gym, these things are no comparison. I dont expect adults to go on the childrens equipment either. I think its cheeky and a pisstake, as is it for you to try and stop kids playing. If it was actually dangerous for children, then they would have barricaded it off. The 13+ is to protect them from being sued, but its not the law. Its advisory. I think this is nuts. My kids are all over 13 anyway, but even so

Don’t worry. Next time I’m on the kids’ swings I hope I’ll hurry up when yours wants a turn. I’ll encourage myself, even. Public park on a sunny day after all!

And they are absolutely meant as proper workout equipment for ADULTS. That's what they were meant for and designed for, so those who do not have the cash for gyms with "serious workout equipment" could access something. It's part of a drive to improve adult obesity and fitness levels.

Adults on children's equipment can weaken the structural integrity. They are designed with children's weights in mind

I don't that very much. They are considerably over--engineered for strength and safety, and scenarios such as a parent playing with their DC on it, as well,as older children (including adult sized teens) using it.

Especially in parks where there is no attendant, the kit has to be strong enough for all likely use.

I wonder if the people who don't agree with the age limit are happy when teenagers are all gathered on the swings meant for younger children.

@lunar1

I wonder if the people who don't agree with the age limit are happy when teenagers are all gathered on the swings meant for younger children.

Yes exactly. Presumably that's fine, I mean teenagers are children until 18 aren't they. So two 16 year olds on the seesaw? Must be ok? As long as everyone is taking turns obviously.