Running in the Park?

Does it need to be?

There's no sign posted at the mall telling me to not run like a moron, but that doesn't mean it's ok.

Seeing people run in the park bothers me just as much as seeing someone drive down the road with a cell phone in one hand, a cigarette in their other hand, and putting their make up on with their foot.

^Wow - that person needs to try out for "America's Got Talent"!

I think it does need to be. People run all the time for exercise. Is that any less dangerous if they are on a sidewalk or bike path? If its not a stated rule I dont think employees should be trying to enfore it on their own. Also when the park encourages running through its practices and statements then I further see even less reason. Now if people are pushing and throwing each other to the ground then thats another issue but in my 20 years at CP Ive never seen the "running of the bulls" get violent. Accidents do happen but they happen everywhere regardless of situation.

In addition to that I just remembered this example of CP marketing towards running from their Funtimes Newsletter

"Each morning, hundreds of guests flood the park and race to get in line for their favorite ride. On Sunday, June 19th, there will be a different kind of race on the Midways. We are hosting the Cedar Point 5K Challenge to support the athletic boosters of several local school districts."

To me if you dont want people running its probably a bad idea to shine a spotlight on it and almost place it in a "tradition" type status.

I don't understand this whole situation to begin with. Condoning it or not aside, it even has a "name"..."Running with the Bulls"...and to my knowledge has been a tradition for some time at both Kings Island and Cedar Point. I honestly can't remember a time when I visited Cedar Point and was there at opening and did not see groups of people running once the park opened.

Obviously, if you are knocking over people that's ridiculous, but this would appear, at the surface, to be a relatively isolated situation.

That said, if you are doing something and a park official asks you to stop, I think it's a pretty good idea to listen regardless.

Kevinj said:
...it even has a "name"..."Running with the Bulls"...

That is not, to my knowledge, a park-sponsored moniker for the event.

That said, if you are doing something and a park official asks you to stop, I think it's a pretty good idea to listen regardless.

Exactly.

TheHSBR said:
"Each morning, hundreds of guests flood the park and race to get in line for their favorite ride. On Sunday, June 19th, there will be a different kind of race on the Midways. We are hosting the Cedar Point 5K Challenge to support the athletic boosters of several local school districts."

Ok, I don't see them mention running anywhere in there.

Kinzel even mentioned "the running of the bulls" while showing park guests running after the gates were opened, in the Worlds largest amusement park video.

If you want to run, have at it, just don't be an ass about it and run people over or shove them out of the way. Also, if you are going to walk, just to be safe, stay towards the back of the pack when entering, its almost a given that the people towards the front are going to run.

I think the park either needs to embrace it or prohibit it. It seems like they're trying to have it both ways.

I agree they need to take a side. Though based on what I see here and what I understand of the policy on running, I think they have effectively embraced it. If you know something is happening (pretty much every operating day I would think) and have the ability to stop it (or at least significantly reduce it) but you do nothing, you have effectively embraced it. And I can understand a point of not officially endorsing it because that may make it more popular and potentially cause more problems.

And it seems to me that at least in Cedar Point's case (and maybe Kings Island as well), it would be difficult to prevent all running. There are multiple entrances and so many ways to get to multiple different rides that people would want to run to at the opening. Plus it would require a lot of employee involvement. But maybe there is an easy way I am just not thinking about.

To me, I would allow folks who want to run to do so. Have employees scattered about the popular paths with security sprinkled about as well. If someone is being an idiot (pushing and shoving or otherwise causing problems that can result in injury/fights/etc), stop them and just talk with them for a minute or two (involve security if necessary) and let them go. At that point, they will have missed what they wanted and should realize they won't get what they want by being idiots. Wash, rinse and repeat the next day. You will no doubt get a new crop of idiots. But presumably the repeat idiots will not be a problem. If they are, you are likely dealing with passholders and you can yank passes if necessary.

TheHSBR said:
But is it a stated rule in the park and/or are you told specifically by your supervisors to tell people not to run in the morning?

I know for a fact that I was specifically told by my supervisors to do so, but I can get back with you if I find any information in my handbooks or rules and guidelines about it. To the best of my knowledge, I do not believe they have it concretely stated anywhere in the park, except for at Soak City.

as far as staff is concerned, we are to say 'please don't run'. Just like they say 'keep your ARMS DOWN, head back and hold on.' People are still going to do what they want. It became a game for riders on TTD, with the launcher being able to hit the arms down button.

It's all liability driven. If staff are making the effort to 'say walk, dont run', what else can they do. Even if they let everyone in one by one, they still are going to run.

But STILL, if someone of authority tries to stop you, YOU STOP! End of story.

JuggaLotus said:

Ok, I don't see them mention running anywhere in there.

CF would be negligent if they did not take steps to promote the safety of all the guests all the time. Since the park admin knows of people falling and getting injured/injuring others while rushing in the morning, they have a duty to discourage it. It's a CYA policy for lawsuit defenses.

JuggaLotus said:

Ok, I don't see them mention running anywhere in there.

Umm...how about in the first line with the word "race" which is defined as to "engage in a contest of speed." I guess since enough people arent using Segways yet I assumed it to mean running.

Thanks Pikajane for that and if you find anything else please share!!

I guess running can fall into the category or arms down, hold on where they say it for liability.

And being berated for keeping your arms up, I think, would be the same kind of inappropriate reaction.

This is what's going to happen if you get caught running in the park! You will be pulled into a room all by yourself and.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pvNScJgcgo

At Hershey we yell at people to stop running in the morning. , but I agree with many posters here. The park needs to either prohibit it or stop promoting it, but then I have to say you are at fault too, I don't care if others were doing it if a park official told you to stop, then you listen. Don't argue it just deal with it, if you think you were picked out specifically be the bigger person and just listen. What can he do then?

JW, +1. :)