Photo supplied.
These youngsters thought it was cool to climb over the barrier between the walking track and the ice surface below.
As is often the case, the poor behaviour of a few affects to privileges of the many.
A few weeks ago, Recreation staff decided to close access to the walking track at 6pm after a series of events where unsupervised youngsters played pranks that created dangerous situations for themselves as well as other users.
In addition to dealing with the annoying but predictable spills from food and beverages which are not allowed in the area, staff also had to address deliberate activities with more serious consequences. Abuse of the emergency call button in the elevator resulted in unnecessary emergency responses. Taps in the washroom were intentionally broken. Players in the penalty box were spit on from above. Coins were thrown onto the ice, which had they not been removed, would have caused serious and expensive damage to the new ice-clearing equipment.
Youngsters also put themselves in danger by climbing on and travelling along the barrier wall above the ice surface. One particularly agile kindergarten-aged child climbed a significant height up the arched girder running from the floor to the ceiling, requiring staff assistance to get down. These antics not only risk potential tragedies, but also could result in significant financial consequences for the municipality, which is liable for the safety of users of its facilities.
Recreation staff is examining ways to restrict access to the running track to users who will respect the facility and other users. They are determined to ensure that the actions of a few thoughtless visitors don’t restrict the enjoyment of these facilities which were made possible by the significant investment of the municipality and local donors. KG
