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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Can I use the playground of a council estate if we don't live there?

803 replies

Mummy1608 · 09/02/2022 14:04

Quick question...

I live right outside a really big council estate. (Eg I walk through it everyday as a shortcut to my local train station, that's how close I am and how big it is.) It's got a lovely playground in it with lots of cool climbing bits etc. Can I go there with my DD or do you think it's frowned on if I don't live there, because it's meant to be for residents? I can't find anywhere whether this isn't allowed, but it might be technically allowed but still frowned on? My next nearest playground is much smaller (although always empty) and a 15 min walk away.

Tldr can I take my dd to the council estate playground?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
21
Traumdeuter · 09/02/2022 14:33

@MorningStarling

If it's a council estate it's fine for outsiders to use, because it's effectively public property funded by taxation. It's as much yours as anybody's.

It would be different if it were a privately owned estate, it would be wrong for an outsider to use the facilities because they're not contributing anything towards it.

😂 this is bonkers
PurplePansy05 · 09/02/2022 14:33

Not enough eye rolls for HadaVerde's comment! 🤦🏼‍♀️

I owned a property before and there were some council owned properties around the corner. There was a playground too, near the council owned properties. Technically speaking these were two separate estates, council houses next to privately owned. Everyone used the playground. Why not? It's literally publically owned playground for children from the area and visiting children, not from a particular estate, fgs.

HadaVerde · 09/02/2022 14:34

Pumpfive.

Read the thread title. She was not talking about a park.

miltonj · 09/02/2022 14:34

@HadaVerde

Visiting friends who live there? Yes fine.

Using it cos it’s closer than another for public use playground? No of course it’s not ok.

I’m amazed people think this is ok.

Wtf why?
VelvetChairGirl · 09/02/2022 14:34

I grew up on a council estate I think all playgrounds and parks should be open for everyone to use.

LampLighter414 · 09/02/2022 14:34

Never noticed donation boxes either, that would be hacked off within an hour.

Yes this has happened so a lot of them are upgrading to contactless payment posts.

Bitofachinwag · 09/02/2022 14:34

@LampLighter414

Often there is a little collection box at the gate for those who don't live in council houses to make a donation to upkeep of the park. So stick a quid in that and use it guilt free!
Never ever seen this!
esloquehay · 09/02/2022 14:35

I live on an Housing Association estate and we mash up anyone who's not from our turf who tries to use our park. LOCALS ONLY.
Nah...
I do live on an estate, but all and sundry use it. 😃

Branleuse · 09/02/2022 14:36

its a public park. Its fine. Noone will either know, nor care that you dont live in one of the council properties. The parks are for public use by anyone

Comefromaway · 09/02/2022 14:36

@HadaVerde

Pumpfive.

Read the thread title. She was not talking about a park.

Playgrounds and parks are exactly the same thing depending where in the country you are from.
sadpapercourtesan · 09/02/2022 14:37

This isn't a matter of opinion Confused it's a simple fact that the playground is for public use. You're entitled to use it.

3NightChangeGrow · 09/02/2022 14:37

Of course anyone can use any public; road, park, play ground, swimming pool, nature reserve etc

What do you think happens when people go on holiday or travel around

Pumpfive · 09/02/2022 14:37

@HadaVerde

Pumpfive.

Read the thread title. She was not talking about a park.

I've read it all thanks. I know she's on about a playground (which I happen to call 'parks') and I explained that I know exactly what op is on about. I still think you're wrong and have asked for you to back up with evidence as at the moment you're the only one on this thread with your view.
withlotsoflove · 09/02/2022 14:38

It’s because the play equipment might get worn out! 😂

Marmm · 09/02/2022 14:38

@HadaVerde

Pumpfive.

Read the thread title. She was not talking about a park.

A playground is a park
ghostmouse · 09/02/2022 14:38

I think you are joking Hadaverde 😂

cookiemonster2468 · 09/02/2022 14:38

@HadaVerde

Visiting friends who live there? Yes fine.

Using it cos it’s closer than another for public use playground? No of course it’s not ok.

I’m amazed people think this is ok.

Why is it not OK? It is council owned and for public use. Anyone can use it. If it was in a private residential development that would be different.
Zilla1 · 09/02/2022 14:39

It's even OK to use one in a different LA area. People live near the boundaries of different LAs. Children like variety. People drive to visit friends. Sometimes schools are far enough from people's houses. Better they are used. Enjoy OP.

Comefromaway · 09/02/2022 14:40

The one by where my mum worked (I used to go there in the school holidays) was called a Reccy!

HadaVerde · 09/02/2022 14:41

Playgrounds and parks are exactly the same thing depending where in the country you are from

🤣 ok.

Darkstar4855 · 09/02/2022 14:41

Of course YANBU. We visit lots of different local playgrounds for variety, they are all council owned and funded and there for public use. Unless you are going in there to take drugs or smash up the equipment then you have as much right to be there as the people who live right next to it.

Marmm · 09/02/2022 14:41

🤣 ok

Seriously they are..

marqueses · 09/02/2022 14:42

@HadaVerde

A playground within the grounds of a council estate is for residents use.

A playground in a park or on a recreational field or similar is obviously for general public use.

Would you use the bins on a council estate too?

Before throwing away any rubbish I carefully check the owner of the bin ..... NOT!

You must be having us on @HadaVerde no one really thinks that GrinGrin

cadburyegg · 09/02/2022 14:42

It is totally fine.

I live in a small village on an estate, we pay a management company to maintain grounds on the estate which includes things like mowing the lawns and upkeep of the playground. Nobody on the estate cares if the playground is used by non-residents. IMO it's a good thing if children have variety in where they go. The one here is also at the back of the estate nowhere near a road, so very safe too.

Crocky · 09/02/2022 14:42

@Comefromaway

The one by where my mum worked (I used to go there in the school holidays) was called a Reccy!
Yep, they are known as Recs in the town I live. Short for recreation ground.