Row over parkrun continues
AS promised here is the second part of your parkrun comments.
The flood of messages on our website were prompted by a Southport Visiter reader who questioned whether the parkrun in Hesketh Park every Saturday should be allowed to continue.
Here’s what you think: TWO hundred plus people have fun and engage in healthy activity for about an hour – or 26 minutes which is my personal best.
A few miserable folk are inconvenienced for an hour. Those few could use the park all day, except for that one hour.
Some people think the world owes them everything.
If we are all sensible, courteous and thoughtful we can all use the park. It’s not rocket science.
Richard Johnson I THINK certain people need to get a grip!
The park doesn’t belong to the dog walkers – they know when it’s on, avoid at that time.
It’s a family event that encourages being healthy. Have a day off complaining.
Hayley Lola White IF they have to walk their dog somewhere where they can also sit and look at a lake at exactly 9am on a Saturday morning (when they know that’s when this event takes place), then they could always walk their dog by the Marine Lake one morning a week instead. Simple.
Parkrun is a brilliant idea – I’m looking forward to going and joining in myself when childcare will allow for it! Clare Angell THINK dog walkers should pick up their dog poo before they start slinging their views about a few people out for a jog....
Libby O’Toole I THINK they should ban dogs, I’ve never seen a park runner pooing near a kids’ playground.
Andy Bate A CONFUSING letter as they seem to be for and against parkrun at the same time.
But the main complaint seems to centre around a small group of elderly dog walkers on Christmas Day although I suspect it’s any day someone gets in their way.
Considering they go on about shared space and no one more important than the other, it seems hypocritical to complain about park runners using it for a maximum of one hour a week.
Les Jackson I’VE recently joined this and think it’s a very well organised event that caters for all types of runners.
We are told before the event starts that it’s a park and there will be other park users there and to be courteous towards them – there are only a few that are out at that time anyway! OK the writer of the letter goes on about shared space then moans about them sharing that space?
It’s for everyone to use, not just the elderly dog walkers that were allegedly forced out of the way and somehow unable to talk to their neighbours.
I’ve been walking round the park on my crutches with my kids while my better half does the run.
I’ve had no issues getting around the park with the runners there.
Mark Ingram OVER 200 meet up each week. Children and adults alike. Of all abilities some with dogs. People getting fit, how is this such a bad thing? Georgina Gillen YOU’RE damned if you do or if you don’t.
What’s better a family getting out on a Saturday morning for some exercise or being on games consoles?
It’s for 30 minutes on a Saturday morning.
They know the time, simple – don’t go there until 9.30am.
Think people just need get a grip find something else to moan about.
Robert Perry AS a dog owner if it’s too crowded either wait till it finishes or go somewhere else.
But why is the an issue? Just walk on the grass.
The park is for everyone and all ages. Get a grip. Andre Mullen I’VE completed Southport parkrun 26 times at Hesketh Park, it’s a brilliantly hosted event.
The parks are open to everyone at all times, anyone who is bothered by a group of runners using facilities that they are entitled to use for an hour on a Saturday morning needs to go and get a life!
I’d have thought encouraging 150 people into the park was a good thing. Karl James Pearson I THINK it’s a very good event for all ages.
It’s only a Saturday morning and all over by 10.30am.
Would be a shame if this event was to end. Lisa Roberts I THINK it’s brilliant. We’ve only been in the park once while parkrun was happening and ironically my husband kept telling my children to get out of the way of runners.
Because we’re considerate people and we teach our children to be considerate of others.
There’s no reason why people can’t share public spaces.
Charlene Jackson I LIVE about 400m away. Hesketh Park is a nice park, but way too small and the paths aren’t big enough.
Unless they cap the event at 20 runners, this should find a new home! Dave Mulvee TO quote the complainant in their own words...
“I am sure there are other equally suitable large open spaces.”
Perhaps (s)he may wish to find one and walk their dog at one of those instead if the parkrun is so offensive to them. Louise Taylor I wholeheartedly agree. But let’s take it a step further.
Some elderly people slowed me down when walking the dog so we should ban them.
But then a small child was a bit scared of Dexter so we’ll have to ban dog walkers too.
However, that child was a little noisy so children will have to go too.
I mean, how dare the park be used in this way.
Let’s just close it down, bulldoze it, build a massive KFC and everyone will be happy!
Simon Coughlan IT’S a positive, FREE event – getting people fit and a lovely atmosphere.
I have volunteered and run it – most dog walkers in there are very friendly.
It’s a park and should be for all – by 9.45am most people have finished anyway.
Emma Louise Cooper BRILLIANT idea! They have them in parks everywhere!
Just because a small minority don’t like it, is no reason to stop it from going ahead!
Melanie Lawson SO sad that there is always someone to criticise and try and put a dampener on any form of activities taking place in the town!
Encouraging people to enjoy open spaces, mix with other community members, making friends along the way, whilst getting fit cannot be a bad thing!
Dina Kenny THERE are signs at the park saying dogs must be on a lead, but none banning running from what I see.
Does this small minded complainant adhere to all the park rules at all times?
It’s a public park and a fab one at that.