In a move that FAC actually supports, the City of Hollywood, Florida will likely approve a new set of rules tomorrow that will prevent anyone OVER the age of 12 from being in a playground unless they are in the company of a minor who is 12 or under.
The city cites problems with the homeless and “amorous” teens using the playgrounds and no rule prohibiting that. Currently, “sex offenders” are targeted with stay away orders. But in reality, unless someone is supervising a child who is playing on the playground, Adults do not have any reason to be present in playgrounds.
I respectfully have to disagree here – first I do not support any law or ordinance that restricts freedom of travel or movement. Also, many (especially neighborhood) parks have grills etc. There is a park in my neighborhood that is mainly a children’s playground however, it has several grills and also a small lake where people have been known to fish. I reserve my right to go to that park regardless of whether I have a child with me.
Very valid point, Karen.
The ordinance pertains to playgrounds (ie: swing sets, slides, sandbox) but as far as can be told doesn’t apply to parks.
Some parks have campgrounds, fire pits, mountain biking trails, etc. and those should certainly not be off-limits.