+30 votes
by (370 points)
A friend and his two very young sons Went to run around in the field by Grennan Heights and we’re kicked out by Park patrol. They told him that he couldn’t be there. We thought it was just the parks that were closed, not the fields. Can someone enlighten us please? Why would children not be allowed to run around in a grass field not touching any equipment? He was told the police would be called if he did not leave with his kids. Is this the rule. Please tell me Park patrol was wrong. 
A friend and his two very young sons Went to run around in the field by Grennan Heights and we’

18 Answers

+23 votes
by (4.5k points)
 
Best answer
Stay off of park property. Let them run up and down the sidewalks. What is the big deal.  
by (220 points)
I think they'll survive. This isn't war torn Syria. Its self-isolation. You wanna take them out, take em to woods where there's even more of an open grass area.  
by (4.9k points)
@semiporcelain180 thats actually smart thank you
by (4.5k points)
@hydracid376 I am referring to in front of your house, not on park property. Duh.  
by (1k points)
@circumferential Well aren’t you a friendly person, duh right back to you.  
by (370 points)
@circumferential lol but the commissioner just said the green spaces are open. so it was a mistake. theres a reason for green spaces remaining Open. because it would be ridiculous To force all families to stay on their own property. This is America where we are FREE and Niles Is one of the best places to live because of the park districts facilities and opportunities for children. I can see this is not aan issue for you so I understand your ignorance toward this situation
+23 votes
by (6.1k points)
Technically it is park land, and the parks are closed.  
by (370 points)
@bowshot30855 ok But why did they post this on their Facebook
by (6.1k points)
I don't know. I would assume if the signs are still up by the playground equipment they are still closed.  
by (870 points)
We haven't had an issue with my family playing in the green spaces. Police have driven by and waived. My guess is the park worker was misinformed.  
by (370 points)
@worthwhile9 Thanks! Hope so
by (3.3k points)
@luke428 this is dated April. It may have changed since April
by (370 points)
Maybe, but golf courses are open so you would the the field would be fine too. Doesnt make sense!  
by (2.7k points)
@bowshot30855 Parks are not closed., just playground.  
by (1.7k points)
@luke428 the grass of grennan may be considered apart of the “park district facilities”.  
by (370 points)
@shawn one of the commissioners responded on this tnread, he said green spaces are open. so park patrol made a mistake.  
+6 votes
by (3.4k points)
Green spaces are supposed to be. Open.  
+14 votes
by (5.6k points)
Bob Kreiling, can you clear the air please .  
by (3.9k points)
@neologize @regal would know.  
by (5.6k points)
That’s true, I referred to Bob because he is the head of the patrolling unit.  
+20 votes
by (1.3k points)
The green spaces are open!  
+19 votes
by (1k points)
I saw several people, like 20, and kids in the field at Grennan Heights. I live right there. I don’t know why they were allowed to be in the field and your friend with 2 kids got harassed. That’s wrong. I guess it’s it’s if someone complains or park cops notice it. I can’t understand why some can do stuff, and some can’t. Last summer I had a small play house on my front lawn for all the neighbors kids that come by to play and be friends with my 2 grandkids that live with me. We were building a bond on our block, and then I got a notice that it’s a violation to have anything on your front lawn. On Oketo right before Main they have had one for years on their front lawn, it’s still there. I had to move mine, but they don’t, same thing with your friend at the park. Some can get away with stuff and some can’t. It’s wrong  
by (370 points)
@hydracid376 Have you ever seen the house on Oleander just south of Dempster? With the huge water fountain? How does the Village allow that?  
by (1k points)
@sink995 I have seen that, and you are right. No little play house allowed, but a huge fountain is ok  
+14 votes
by (2.7k points)
The park is not closed, just the playground. As long as they were keeping a safe distance they should of been fine. This is getting ridiculous!  
by (10.1k points)
I would assume that they cannot play baseball, etc on the ball field but the grassy area sounds ok
by (2.7k points)
@lael5 No mention of the field being closed either., just playground equipment.  
by (370 points)
That’s what I thought too! I’m thinking that park patrol was just mistaken
by (2.7k points)
@luke428 The Park Patrol should be worried about other things rather than people safely using the park! I’d tell them that too!  
by (2.5k points)
Good conversation. Let’s hope that this all gets straightened out.  
0 votes
by (6.4k points)
Grass is open
by (1.3k points)
@regal O'Donovan thanks Dennis! There u have it folks! Direct from a Park Commissioner!  
by (370 points)
@regal O'Donovan thanks!  
by (2.5k points)
@regal O'Donovan Can you update those that are patrolling the parks so everyone is on the same page? Thanks
by (6.4k points)
@regal grass is open for walking not for get togethers or baseball etc.  
by (6.4k points)
@defalcate done
by (2.5k points)
@regal O'Donovan thanks
+16 votes
by (1k points)
I was at a different Niles area park with my son today, playing in wide open space. Two different cop cars drove past us at different times and they didn’t say anything. That’s bizarre.  
+7 votes
by (390 points)
I saw people playing tennis and playing catch in the field at the park behind Jewel near Oakton and Milwaukee in park ridge. All spread out- only a couple of groups of 2-3 - people enjoying this nice day. Some don’t have a large yard for kids to play - I say give them a break.  
by (370 points)
@faso4 i agree! Kids need social connection!  
+13 votes
by (5.3k points)
This is the problem, they are going to try and control everything. There is nothing wrong with running on the grass.  
+16 votes
by (550 points)
But every Saturday is here a lot young kids playing baseball and I never see somebody telling them.  
+27 votes
by (400 points)
Crazy to think an open field is not permitted to run in very  sad
+5 votes
by (3.2k points)
This is getting to be too much. The Governor needs to open things up sooner than later And the patrol people need to understand the rules. being outdoors is fine with no large gathering,  
+28 votes
by (540 points)
The problem is if they let one do it, they have to let all do it. Then it’ll get overcrowded. Would be nice to arrange a park usage permit, for free, upon email request. Print a small sign and stake it to the ground near your party.  
by (370 points)
@marcus That’s a good idea for groups! But going back to the issue we had, this was a family of three. Running around in an open field and being told they can’t do so. But three people can go on a golf course? Our kids social relationships have been ruined already. They need to get out and run around. I am Coming to the conclusion that the patrol was totally mistaken and hopefully it won’t happen again!  
by (540 points)
@luke428 I don’t think it’s a major thing. You’re not hurting anyone. And understand if the city wants to limit use, but we should be finding ways to allow things instead of just “can’t do that”.  
by (370 points)
@marcus for sure! There was just confusion because originally the park district said green spaces are open. My friend was treated like he was doing something wrong right in front of his kids when he was following the rules That’s just not right!  
+11 votes
by (2.1k points)
Green spaces at the parks are open to walk or run or sit & enjoy open space. No athletic activities are allowed. Social distancing should be observed. Park patrol will be notified as will our Facebook page repost the rules. Thank you, be safe & and let’s get through this together!  
by (370 points)
@drenthe69 thank you!  
+25 votes
by (1k points)
What a joke!  
+28 votes
by (570 points)
Those Park patrol personnel are violating our personal rights and they should be held accountable for it because if they’re not taught properly they become tyrant towards The citizens WHO pay their goddamn checks. next time it happens people speak up and know your Right if you have a problem with what they say to you tell them to call the police and it will help you sort it out but don’t coward away
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