Adult Only Beach Area

[lizbud]

I was a bit shocked at first, but hey, I think it would be great. Do you?


Adults draw line in the sand in Lake Forest


By Susan Kuczka
Tribune staff reporter

June 22, 2007

Pails, shovels and the kids who tote them no longer will be allowed in
a kid-free zone that opened this summer on the public beach in Lake
Forest.

"We're creating a quieter space for those adults that are in search of
that type of atmosphere," said Sally Swarthout, program manager for the
north suburban city's Parks & Recreation Board, which created the
21-and-older beach at the request of several residents. About a quarter of
the city's nearly milelong beach is now for adults only.

Baby Boomer Cindy Janke called it a welcome oasis.

"It's just nice to have a break away from the noise and crowds, and
have a little peace and quiet, and listen to the waves, and kind of lose
yourself in the tranquility of the shoreline," said Janke, whose
children are grown. "Everyone's so used to being around kids when we were
younger, but here you might be able to socialize with a few members of the
older generation."

The beach ban is one of a growing number of prohibitions against kids
that have popped up in recent years. From hotels to coffeehouses,
child-free seems to be gaining popularity in an otherwise family friendly
nation.

Experts say a combination of factors may be at play: the increasing
number of childless households across the nation; the demise of the old
saw that children should be seen and not heard; and a huge Baby Boomer
population with a 'been there, done that' attitude toward children. And
in a more hectic world, people are trying to carve out mini-havens of
solitude.

The efforts to restrict children's behavior usually don't come without
controversy, especially if they make parents feel like outcasts. A
Taste of Heaven in Andersonville made national headlines when owner Dan
McCauley put up a sign in the window that read: "Children of all ages have
to behave and use their indoor voices when coming to A Taste of
Heaven."

The Lake Forest beach ban also could brew a storm, some experts say.

"To close off a space that is quintessentially associated with children
and sand castles and pails and bathing suits seems to me to be a sad
commentary," said Diane Geraghty, director of the Civitas ChildLaw Center
at Loyola University Chicago. "It almost sounds like people want to
create their own country club on [public] property."

But some parents with kids at home said they, too, relish the rare
quiet time at the kid-free beach. The city's Park and Recreation Board
approved creation of the adults-only section last fall.

"If I came here, and there were a million screaming kids, where would I
go to get away from mine?" said Dawn Kirsch, a 40-something mother of
four who sneaks to the shoreline when she can, and was recently paying
bills at the adults-only beach. "Sometimes I just want to get away from
the phone and the kids and just relax and hear the sound of the water."

Joanne Philpott, 36, goes to the beach with her three children, unless
she can get away by herself, like she did this week.

"When I have the kids, I have all that craziness, so when you can get
an hour of relaxation to yourself, the last thing you want to do is
watch someone else's kid running all around," she said.

Still, some residents wonder why a kid-free beach is necessary. They
said adults tended to gravitate to the area that is now for adults only,
anyway, because it was farthest away from the beach playground,
concession stand and restrooms.

"It has typically been used by a lot of adults who want to get away
from the kids kicking sand and throwing Frisbees and making lots of
noise," said parks Supt. Wendy McKiernan.

Every now and then, though, a sandcastle or other evidence of children
would get through the invisible line the adults had drawn in the sand
with their beach blankets and umbrellas. Hence the more official
designation.

With more people living in kid-free households, it's also become
acceptable for adults to request a child-free zone, according to Bernard
Beck, an associate professor emeritus at Northwestern University in
Evanston.

"It didn't use to be respectable to speak out in public in ways that
were anti-child or anti-family, but now that sort of talk is very
acceptable," Beck said, citing various comedians who have riffed on the
anti-kid theme.

Beck also said people who are alike tend to gravitate toward one
another.

"So if someone says, 'I hate being around younger people' and they're
rich and powerful, they'll do what they can to create a situation where
they can have things the way the like it," he said.

The pint-size beachgoers never bothered Joanne Martin, who said she
considered the kids' play as natural to the beach scene as the sand.

"I can kind of understand when the kids are playing Frisbee and running
all over, but I really like to hear the voices of children on the
beach," said Martin, a mother of three, who visited the all-ages beach
recently with her 7th grader.

Although there's no fencing or signs surrounding the adults-only zone,
the beach staff has been told to keep an eye out for anyone under 21
who might stray into it.

Lifeguards said they aren't worried about teenagers trying to sneak in.
"The kids never really hung out there anyway because of all the
adults," lifeguard Julian Bulaon said.

Some teenagers, though, don't like being singled out.

"It's not very nice," said Alyssa Loicano, 13.

"But it's better than being blocked from the entire beach for a certain
amount of time," said Brittany Frechette, 14.

Visitors to the adults-only portion of the beach will be asked to show
proof of their age, a requirement the beach monitors don't expect to be
particularly onerous.

"We'll just eyeball people, and if they look too young we'll get them
out of there," said Bulaon, who at 18 is technically barred from the
adults-only section. "But I'm the lifeguard, so if I have to go on it to
yell at somebody, it'll be OK."

[Catty1]

I like it...there are lots more beaches around!

While they're at it - how about a child-free Walmart and mall? ;)

[Lady's Human]

Hmmm, seems to me that the taxes paid to support the beach are from everyone.

Are those under 21 having their taxes reduced by an appropriate amount to cover the fact that that part of the beach is no longer open to them? How about a tax reduction for parents of kids who can no longer use that part of the beach?

A public use area is just that.......a public use area.

[wombat2u2004]

Hmmmmmm.....so if some 20 year old kid just returns from Iraq, he's not old enough to go into the adult section of the beach ????
Wom

[moosmom]

While I am 100% in favor of an adult beach, I just know there are going to be members on here with kids, who have a totally different opinion on this one.

I ain't saying no more.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hmmm, seems to me that the taxes paid to support the beach are from everyone.

Are those under 21 having their taxes reduced by an appropriate amount
to cover the fact that that part of the beach is no longer open to them?

Two Sides to most coins ...

What about the Kiddie Swings in the MUNICIPAL Park that are too small for me to use?

And a BIG one --- I got no KIDS --- WHY do I have to pay School Taxes?

As long as no particular age group gets ALL the goodies ...
a reasonably fair distribution of the benefits and perks seems equitable.

And one might ask ... just how many of the Under-21 Crowd are actually paying Beach Taxes?
:p

/s/ Phred

[dukedogsmom]

I think it's a wonderful idea! These days, there are hardly any places that aren't adult only and some should be. I've even seen young kids in bars. Now I'm just speaking in general here. There are people that don't watch their young ones and let them roam all over/be loud in places such as coffee shops, restaurants, etc. When parents have great kids, I'm the first one to compliment them on the manners. Because it is such a rarity. The point I'm getting at is when you're out somewhere to relax, a screaming, wild child is not what you're wanting to hear.

[wombat2u2004]

Yeah....I can see both sides of the coin to, but I think 21 years of age as a cut off point is a bit high....I mean....are say 16 year olds and upwards really noisy etc etc ????
Wom

[caseysmom]

I have kids..well not really kids anymore but I see no problem with it...there are times that adults want to be with adults...I see no problem with that.

[wombat2u2004]

What about the Kiddie Swings in the MUNICIPAL Park that are too small for me to use?
/s/ Phred

Yeah....but you get to ride around on a fire truck !!!!! :D
Wom

[Lady's Human]

School taxes provide a service which is in the general public interest.

I wouldn't have a problem with a separate beach area if it were paid for by a separate fee.

(And yes, I also have issues with publicly funded stadiums for pro sports teams. If my taxes are supporting the stadium, where's my seat?)

[Pembroke_Corgi]

School taxes provide a service which is in the general public interest.

I wouldn't have a problem with a separate beach area if it were paid for by a separate fee.

(And yes, I also have issues with publicly funded stadiums for pro sports teams. If my taxes are supporting the stadium, where's my seat?)
Last time I checked, the majority of Americans were opposed to the Iraq war. That little enterprise has cost billions upon billions of dollars, so most likely more of everyone's tax dollars go towards buying bombs then funding a small area of a public beach.

I think it would actually be a great idea if you could choose what you taxes went towards. I would probably pay double what I pay now for taxes if it could be used towards good schools and public programs, and health care. But instead, my money goes towards destruction.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Yeah ... but you get to ride around on a fire truck !!!!! :D
Wom

Tooo-Shay!! :D

Phunnie, but we've had TAXpayers b!tch about wanting to ride on "THEIR Fire Truck"!

(Best part is I get to blow da Sireen and run wiffa RED Lites on! PHUNN!)
:D

[wombat2u2004]

OMG C&S.....you want your own beach and eat your fire truck to ?????
UNFAIR !!!!!!! :D
Wom

[Lady's Human]

But you DO have a voice in what your municipal taxes go toward!

I have yet to vote against a school budget increase. (oops, one exception. I DID vote against a new school in the town we used to live in.......mainly because the town had JUST finished renovating the school that the new school has replaced. I have something against a town paying $40 million to renovate a school to have the school board ask for another increase 6 months later to tear the whole thing down and build new)

I also wouldn't have an issue with something like this is it was voted on by the general public in an election.

A tad off topic, but.......

If you don't like what your rep in DC is doing, vote them out of office! People can't be too upset with what's going on in DC because last time I checked the re-election rate was still north of 80%

[dukedogsmom]

But you DO have a voice in what your municipal taxes go toward!

I have yet to vote against a school budget increase. (oops, one exception. I DID vote against a new school in the town we used to live in.......mainly because the town had JUST finished renovating the school that the new school has replaced. I have something against a town paying $40 million to renovate a school to have the school board ask for another increase 6 months later to tear the whole thing down and build new)

I also wouldn't have an issue with something like this is it was voted on by the general public in an election.
Why should that have to be voted on when the regular parks, etc, aren't voted on? Why should this case be different?

[Lady's Human]

Becuase it affects everyone who uses the beach, and closes off an area of the beach to some who may be paying for the beach.

[Cinder & Smoke]

But you DO have a voice in what your municipal taxes go toward!

If you don't like what your rep in DC is doing, vote them out of office!

People can't be too upset with what's going on in DC because last time I checked
the re-election rate was still north of 80%

VOTE??

Whas'zat?

Last time I checked the average Voter Turnout was South of 25% of the "Registered Voters" ...
Hate to think of what the percentage of ELLIGIBLE Voters that might be.
:rolleyes:
:(

/s/ Phred

[Lady's Human]

Phred,

My point exactly.

Congress has a 14% approval rating according to one poll.........but whaddaya want ta bet that in the next election cycle less than 10% of incumbents are defeated?

[CathyBogart]

I love it. The more places people can go to RELAX, not hang around screaming kids, the better. There are so many family-friendly places funded by public money that a childless/childfree person wouldn't be able to enjoy, I don't see why this is a problem. I don't mind going to a nude beach to have a relaxing afternoon of QUIET myself, but I know a lot of people who would.

[CathyBogart]

Backtracking a bit...if that's the attitude you're going to take, then I don't want to pay taxes towards schools since I don't have any offspring.

[Cinder & Smoke]

:confused:

WHO is this directed at???




Backtracking a bit ...
if that's the attitude you're going to take,
then I don't want to pay taxes towards schools since I don't have any offspring.

[Lady's Human]

Again, it is in society's best interest (as well as being a constitutional requirement in state constitutions) that children be educated.

I fail to see where an adults only section of beach is in the best interest of society.

Want an adults only beach? Form a club, buy a chunk of beachfront real estate, and limit membership to adults only.

[theterrierman]

I think it's crap, frankly. Not the concept, but the age range. Most 16 year olds wouldn't be much of a disturbance, would probably just stick to one corner of the beach and throw frisbee. I mean, we're old enough to pay income tax, drive and have kids. You can share your beach with us.

[Cinder & Smoke]

I think it's crap, frankly.

I mean, we're old enough to pay income tax, drive and have kids.
You can share your beach with us.

According to the original article ...


"About a quarter of the city's nearly milelong beach is now for adults only."


That leaves about 3/4 of a Mile of Beach for "Frisbee & Makin Out" !
I think we ARE sharing the beach with you!

;)

/s/ Old Ph@rt

[wombat2u2004]

According to the original article ...


That leaves about 3/4 of a Mile of Beach for "Frisbee & Makin Out" !
I think we ARE sharing the beach with you!

;)

/s/ Old Ph@rt

Nawwwww....I can see ya point C&S. But the real issue here is segregation within public places. If people want to go to a placew where they can be away from kids....there's plenty of private places like pubs etc etc.

[dukedogsmom]

As I mentioned earlier, even pubs/bars aren't sacred any more :rolleyes: The fact is, there aren't plenty of places. Everything is geared towards kids or having them. Just look at the commercials, for instance. For that matter, look at the general section here. All kind of topics like breastfeeding, how dilated they were, have been posted there. It's brought up all the time that this is a family site. If I had a child, I don't know if I'd want them reading all that. A little off topic but trying to make a point.

[Lady's Human]

Everything is geared towards kids?


Yeah, that's why I have to censor "family friendly" broadcasts by putting them on tape delay so I can fast forward through all the Cialis/viagra and other adult oriented commercials.

[columbine]

Stuff like this is usually motivated by the maximization of property value/tax base. If the (growing numbers of) boomers would rather live (and pay taxes) somewhere else than have their day off spoiled by rampaging shrieklings, this is one way of keeping these folks who were still around for the Fair Pay Days of Yore from moving out and taking their tax dollars elsewhere, leaving their homes to struggling young families whose financial needs are greater and their financial contribution less.

Love, Columbine

[Hellow]

Well, im a kid over 10 so i dont make very much of a disturbence. I actually like the idea of a "Adult Only" area of beach. It gives me time to get away from my parents, except school.

[IRescue452]

Sounds good to me. I'd love more stores to be child-free for my shopping enjoyment, either that or we can reinstate spankings.

[catnapper]

I think its a fabulous idea. I am not a fan of the beach in general, but a private-adults-only beach offers a nice incentive for me to go rethink whether I like the beach or not. ;)

Now, is there anything to do about sandflies, jellyfish, and seaweed?

[Lady's Human]

Maybe set up a whole line of exclusionary beaches. Everyone can have their own space, apart from all those they find offensive.

[wombat2u2004]

Now, is there anything to do about sandflies, jellyfish, and seaweed?

Well....they would have to be excluded to !!!!
Wom

[Hellow]

I think its a fabulous idea. I am not a fan of the beach in general, but a private-adults-only beach offers a nice incentive for me to go rethink whether I like the beach or not. ;)

Now, is there anything to do about sandflies, jellyfish, and seaweed?

Well, we would probably have to put up a giant plexiglass dome that goes underwater to the sea floor and all the way around the area. This will probably cost ya about $1,000,000. :eek:

[joycenalex]

Yeah, that's why I have to censor "family friendly" broadcasts by putting them on tape delay so I can fast forward through all the Cialis/viagra and other adult oriented commercials.
could you also get rid of the laxative commericals too :eek:

[Pembroke_Corgi]

But you DO have a voice in what your municipal taxes go toward!

I have yet to vote against a school budget increase. (oops, one exception. I DID vote against a new school in the town we used to live in.......mainly because the town had JUST finished renovating the school that the new school has replaced. I have something against a town paying $40 million to renovate a school to have the school board ask for another increase 6 months later to tear the whole thing down and build new)

I also wouldn't have an issue with something like this is it was voted on by the general public in an election.

A tad off topic, but.......

If you don't like what your rep in DC is doing, vote them out of office! People can't be too upset with what's going on in DC because last time I checked the re-election rate was still north of 80%
National elections are a joke....the electoral college is outdated and probably still in place so we voters have less power. I believe in some states, the college can actually vote for a different candidate than the one that gets the most votes. The last presidential election was an example of when my vote counted for nothing. I did not vote for Bush, but slightly more people in my state at the time did, so it went for Bush, therefore rendering my vote useless.

If we had a true democracy instead of a republic I would be more inclined to think voting actually works. In small elections, yes, you can make a difference. Perhaps that is even where it counts most. But in large scale elections I am beginning to think we are making nothing more than a statement by going to the polls, because in 2000 Gore won the popular vote but lost the election most likely due to shady polls activity (yet we are supposed to be ruled by majority- even if there wasn't any suspicious activity, he should still have won due to popular vote) and in 2000 it was pretty much the same thing all over again except Kerry didn't get the popular vote (most likely because all of the people waiting at the polls for hours because they were too poor to take off work to vote so they couldn't cast one).

I wish I could believe that if everyone really cared enough to vote (most people do not care or even know what is going on, so that is probably why the same people keep getting re-elected) we could change our country for the better. But I really don't believe that anymore, because all the evidence I've seen points to the contrary.

[Freckles]

I didn't read this thread at first because I thought it was referring to "Adults only" in another way. :o

[Kfamr]

I didn't read this thread at first because I thought it was referring to "Adults only" in another way. :o


Ditto. :o


I think the idea is a nice one. The beach can often be headaching with a bunch of children running around. But, I've found "adults" can be just as obnoxious on the beach as children.

Which is why I prefer to go out to the islands... usually there's no one else around. ;)

[Lady's Human]

PC, you need to take another look at the history and purpose of the electoral college. It is in place to ensure that a candidate cannot win on popular vote alone. The reason for this is so that states which have little to no population (NH, WY, WV, RI, etc) still have a voice in the presidential election. Without it a candidate could run in urban areas, completely ignore the rural population, and get elected.

I'm thankful we DO NOT have a direct democracy. In a direct democracy, one could pander to the populations of Chicago, LA, NYC, and 2 or three other urban areas, and completely run roughshod over the rest of the country with no consequences.

That having been said, the Electoral College cover ONE part of the national political process. ONE. Representatives in the house are directly elected, as are Senators. As are your state governing bodies. Your state and municipal elections should (and do) have far more effect in your life than a federal election. Frankly, I don't want the federal government involved in my day to day existence, and constitutionally it was never meant to have that type of power.

[lizbud]

I thought it was funny that one of the lifeguards is just 18yrs old. :D
they said they don't actually check ID in that kid free zone, but settle
for "eye balling" people who show up.

Oh, btw, they had a vote response to the question of kid free zones at
the beach and results were 71% yes & 29% no to this idea. :)

[sparks19]

I thought it was funny that one of the lifeguards is just 18yrs old. :D
they said they don't actually check ID in that kid free zone, but settle
for "eye balling" people who show up.

Oh, btw, they had a vote response to the question of kid free zones at
the beach and results were 71% yes & 29% no to this idea. :)


I was just gonna say.... it's a nice idea but who is going to enforce it? Is that 18 year old security guard going to tell a group of 16 year olds they can't come in? God he's liable to be killed anymore.

[lizbud]

I was just gonna say.... it's a nice idea but who is going to enforce it? Is that 18 year old security guard going to tell a group of 16 year olds they can't come in? God he's liable to be killed anymore.


He's not a security guard, he's a lifeguard and I'd imagine most people
there have a cell phone to alert police to any problems.

[sparks19]

He's not a security guard, he's a lifeguard and I'd imagine most people
there have a cell phone to alert police to any problems.

I know he's a lifeguard I didn't realize I said security guard until just now lol..... but I'm assuming he is the only "employee" to enforce this rule. and yes they could call the police but they would still have to deal with the disruptions they were trying to avaoid by having this beach in the first place.



Not to mention that I also see a lot of the more irresponsible parents using the "adult" part to get away from their kids while they leave their kids unattended in the public area.

I'm all for an adults only beach area.... just like they have adults only swim times at pools.... but I just see this causing more problems than it's solving.

[lizbud]

I know he's a lifeguard I didn't realize I said security guard until just now lol..... but I'm assuming he is the only "employee" to enforce this rule. and yes they could call the police but they would still have to deal with the disruptions they were trying to avaoid by having this beach in the first place.

Not to mention that I also see a lot of the more irresponsible parents using the "adult" part to get away from their kids while they leave their kids unattended in the public area.

I'm all for an adults only beach area.... just like they have adults only swim times at pools.... but I just see this causing more problems than it's solving.

If a group of adults can't handle a few rowdy kids, then we all ought to
just give it up now. :D

As to the misbehaving adults, they should be arrested for neglect of a child.

[sparks19]

If a group of adults can't handle a few rowdy kids, then we all ought to
just give it up now. :D

As to the misbehaving adults, they should be arrested for neglect of a child.


LOL I agree..... but I'm just saying it seems that is what they wanted the beach to avoid and it might just bring them more disruptions :D

and yes they should be arrested.... but there are a lot of people out there that should be arrested for the things they do or do not do with their children and yet they don't :(

[wombat2u2004]

could you also get rid of the laxative commericals too :eek:

Hey....get real !!!! Some of us oldies NEED that.... :D
Wom

[joycenalex]

wom, 2 words....high fibre! LOL and this shall too shall pass

[Lady's Human]

:p You need an Advert to tell you about prune juice? :p

Whats with all the punning lately?

The threads are getting scrambled, and I'm getting egg-sasperated!

[dogzr#1]

I actually think it is a good idea, however I think they should change the age limit to 18 instead of 21. I know my brothers would love to go there to just relax away from the 'rowdy' kids but they aren't old enough yet.

Good idea all in all though.

[crow_noir]

I'm child free, don't like kids, and I'm still against this. It could be a regional thing, but 21 and older is just asking for trouble. It just means a party zone for loud obnoxious "adults."

Why not make this 18 and older?!

And just what the heck do they have against sand castles?! You're telling me if a 40 year old starts making a sand castle they'll be kicked out? :eek:

This does sound like a stuck up snobby country club.

And i tell you what, when i was 10 (just throwing a number out here because it's true for my whole life..) I would have LOVED to had a beach to go to where loud obnoxious rowdy kids weren't allowed in to. The hideous yelling, and screaming, and running, and destroying other peoples' sand artwork, and splashing. UGH!!!

Why couldn't they just designate a QUIET beach zone?

I'm not fond of people being singled out as a group few the misdeeds of many. :p Give individuals a chance.


Adults draw line in the sand in Lake Forest

[wombat2u2004]

And i tell you what, when i was 10 (just throwing a number out here because it's true for my whole life..) I would have LOVED to had a beach to go to where loud obnoxious rowdy kids weren't allowed in to. The hideous yelling, and screaming, and running, and destroying other peoples' sand artwork, and splashing. UGH!!!

Well I'm sorry that you didn't realise how much fun I was having !!!!! In fact, I enjoyed kicking all of your sand angels to bits !!!! :D
Wom

[Cataholic]

I see LH's point, and it makes sense.

BUT, I would like it, and add this to it: I would want to separate those kids 8 and over from the group of younger kids. That way, I would know Jonah and I were getting our tax dollars worth of a day at the beach. No one would be bullying my child, nor would he be exposed to the older kids with some of the raunchier language coming out of their mouths.

I could actually go to the beach and know my child would have a good time. Heck, if it works for the adults, it should work for the younger set.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Lake Forest Illinois is a VERY affluent suburb just north of Chicago. The beach under discussion is Lake Michigan. No jelly fish or other sea creatures. Just some dead elwives now and then.

All the suburbs of Chicago which border the shore have different rules on beach usage. For example in the city of Chicago...by law...all lakefront is public.

Northern suburbs differ. Some...you must be a resident to use...some you can buy a day pass.

All Lake Forest is doing is designating a portion for a specific use. No one is being denied access to using the beach. Some people are being denied access to a portion of the beach. I too could see a portion designated for the use of toddlers...open access...adult only.

In addition to the enjoyment issue is safety. Safety is the purpose of life guards and the demands and priorities of the guards could be different for the different areas. Toddlers presetn one kind of risk, teenager another, adults only yet another.

Lake Michigan is a very big lake and Lake Forest has a nice chunk of beach. If they want to designate a portion for volleyball...or toddlers...or adults...or nude bathing (come on...you were all thinking it when you opened the thread!)...or fishing only...or whatever...so be it...

[JenBKR]

I can see both sides. I do think it's a good idea to have an area of the beach sectioned off (although I would also think that 18 and over is better than 21) for people wanting to get away from kids. It's sad to me though, because it seems like a lot of parents don't watch their kids, and those are the ones causing the problems. Not everyone likes kids, and I understand and respect that.

[Cataholic]

Lake Michigan is a very big lake and Lake Forest has a nice chunk of beach. If they want to designate a portion for volleyball...or toddlers...or adults...or nude bathing (come on...you were all thinking it when you opened the thread!)...or fishing only...or whatever...so be it...


Before I vote, or move to Chicago, would it be full, frontal nudity, or, just topless....

[RICHARD]

Put the kids in the water and let them stay there?

-----------


The effing NIMBY's always get their way.

I just read a story about people who bought houses next to a golf course and sue the GC because balls hit their homes....

And while I do not believe that the two 80+ home owners should be in fear of their lives and property, I refuse to believe that they were too stupid to realize the danger.

[lizbud]

All Lake Forest is doing is designating a portion for a specific use. No one is being denied access to using the beach. Some people are being denied access to a portion of the beach. I too could see a portion designated for the use of toddlers...open access...adult only.




It seems like a simple request to me. If I took children to the beach, it
would be more for their benefit than mine. I could not just sit & read a book
or enjoy a swim, or whatever. I would be supervising at all times. It's good
to be able to enjoy a quieter beach area for yourself sometimes.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Before I vote, or move to Chicago, would it be full, frontal nudity, or, just topless....

In for a penny...in for a pound (ouch! :eek: What a visual! :eek: )

[cassiesmom]

I'm having a hard time with the notion that the powers-that-be would let a clothing-optional beach fly up there in tony Lake Forest. Another beach maybe, but not there. So I'm guessing it's a section of the beach off limits to people under a certain age. Heck, I won't be going to the beach up there anytime soon, I'll be with the other commoners hangin' out at the public pool.

[wombat2u2004]

:p You need an Advert to tell you about prune juice? :p

Whats with all the punning lately?

The threads are getting scrambled, and I'm getting egg-sasperated!

Prunes ??? What a gas !!!! :D
Wom

[Catty1]

Oh, no, these puns won't be running out any time soon.... :p

[wombat2u2004]

Oh, no, these puns won't be running out any time soon.... :p

I agree.........and I've been PUNching the wall all day trying to think up new ones. :eek:
Wom

[Catty1]

I'm flush with ideas myself....

[wombat2u2004]

This post is really going down the drain !!!!!

[critter crazy]

I think it is a great Idea. I have two kids, but there are always times when I need to be alone, and a beach definitely sounds like the perfect spot!! I just wish it was closer to me, so I could be one of the many enjoying it!!:D

[Catty1]

Okay, I'll pipe down! :p

[Twisterdog]

I have kids, and I LOVE the idea of "child-free" zones!

I have always thought the idea of "child-free" sections in restaurants would be wonderful!

Even if you have kids, you don't necesarily want to be with kids all the time! In fact, you tend to value your "child-free" time all the more.

There are places where smokers can't go, where pets can't go ... what is so wrong about places kids can't go?

[wombat2u2004]

Ah I dunno. Some people like time away from their kids, we are all different I suppose. I never did, We included the kids absolutely everywhere we went, which was as a family.....it's the way we were, and how we enjoyed ourselves.
Still.....if ya like ya space away from the kids....then go for it. ;)
Wom

[wombat2u2004]

Okay, I'll pipe down! :p

Ya mean all of your puns have been WIPED out ????? :D

[Cataholic]

Ah I dunno. Some people like time away from their kids, we are all different I suppose. I never did, We included the kids absolutely everywhere we went, which was as a family.....it's the way we were, and how we enjoyed ourselves.
Still.....if ya like ya space away from the kids....then go for it. ;)
Wom


Just yesterday, a otherwise pleasant conversation with someone I have known for years turned slightly nasty because of this issue. I, too, include Jonah in everything/everywhere I go.* I was told I need to "find 'me' time", "develop interests" (which is funny, as my only real interest right now is finding time to exercise), and how I will grow out of this feeling. Everyone has different 'needs' when it comes to themselves and thier children. My need, and I have this silly idea that I know what is best for me, is not to spend time away from my child- other than my work time.

While I have no problem with a kid-free zone for the reasons stated above, I can't imagine availing myself of it, either. I just happen to like kids. Mine, yours, and those not otherwise classified.

*- I don't do some things because I don't think they are kid appropriate/kid friendly. I wouldn't take Jonah to a wedding, for instance. Or, a funeral. Or, a adult party. I might not go, either, but, I would never insist that he be included.

[lizbud]

Cataholic, You sound like me when my children were pre-school age. :)
You couldn't pry me away from them. It wasn't until they were old enough
for grade school that I experienced "withdrawal" symptoms & didn't know
what to do with myself anymore. Getting to know yourself again and doing
things just for yourself is kinda weird at first. :D

[Cataholic]

Yeah, I think there is/will be a gradual weaning, but, for me (and Jones), it isn't now.

[mruffruff]

For some stay-at-home mothers, a break from the kids is a great thing. When mine were under 5, I would have loved a few minutes to myself. After they were 5, I was working so I got some quiet time and could enjoy being with them when I was home.

Now that I'm 'senior', I can enjoy others' kids at times. But I would appreciate adult only areas, just as I appreciate the non-smoking areas of restaurants.

[wombat2u2004]

I was told I need to "find 'me' time", "develop interests"


My "me time and interests" were everything to do with my children.
People who don't have children will never really fully understand that. ;)
Wom

[crow_noir]

I can't speak for all the Child Free, but i myself can certainly understand it. It may not be my own feelings, but i certainly do understand it.

Then again it could be that my true soul mate (not as in the kind you marry,) was King and if something didn't include him, it was highly unlikely that i was interested in the activity. It was when he was with me that i had the most fun and enjoyed myself the most. Why? Because that time spent with him was the most special time spent in my life. NOTHING could compare. (...and i NEVER even once seen King as a child replacement or child equivalent. In my eyes he was my brother and friend if anything.)


My "me time and interests" were everything to do with my children.
People who don't have children will never really fully understand that. ;)
Wom

[dukedogsmom]

For some mothers, they don't know or ignore the fact that there are some places that kids just shouldn't be. So, they need to accept the fact that maybe they shouldn't go there unless they have a sitter. Again, I'm speaking in general here and it's not directed at all kids. It's directed at the ones that are loud and bratty and the mothers who do nothing to correct it, like discipline or taking them out of the public place they were inhabiting.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I just read of a beach in Italy that has banned men AND children....however...dogs are allowed....

[dukedogsmom]

I just read of a beach in Italy that has banned men AND children....however...dogs are allowed....
Sounds like my kind of beach!

[lizbud]

Sounds like my kind of beach!


LOL Me too. :D

[crow_noir]

Oooooh! One more reason to nag me into traveling over seas! :D


I just read of a beach in Italy that has banned men AND children....however...dogs are allowed....

[theterrierman]

I just read of a beach in Italy that has banned men AND children....however...dogs are allowed....

That's outright sexism, and if that kind of crap was pulled on women, there would be a worldwide outrage. Maybe this was conceived by the same idiot who decided to ban 93 dog breeds over there.

[Medchill10]

First, Lake Forest says all beaches are public, no segregation.

Second, if this is allowed, those who want to use the " 'Adults' Only" beach MAY NOT use the other beach.

Third, I will bring my child to the beach. I (or my child) cannot be arrested, since the is no violation of law.

[lizbud]

First, Lake Forest says all beaches are public, no segregation.

Second, if this is allowed, those who want to use the " 'Adults' Only" beach MAY NOT use the other beach.

Third, I will bring my child to the beach. I (or my child) cannot be arrested, since the is no violation of law.



Huh ??? :confused:

[cyber-sibes]

I like the idea of a kid-free zone. Not that I have anything against kids, I love kids. But it would be nice to have a break from those parents who seem oblivious to their out of control, obnoxious, ill-mannered and mouthy offspring...until they get fed up & go shrieking and bellowing at the little hooligans. (Believe me, I don't blame the kids.) There have been more times than I care to count that I wished restaurants had an isolation booths for screaming children & their parents...
When mine were young, if they were having a terrible day (which happens) & screaming, I took them outside. Again, I don't blame the kids.

[lizbud]

There have been more times than I care to count that I wished restaurants had an isolation booths for screaming children & their parents...
When mine were young, if they were having a terrible day (which happens) & screaming, I took them outside. Again, I don't blame the kids.


When my children were small, our church had a "Nursery" where you sat
with crying babies or restless toddlers. It was a isolation both so to speak.
It was a separate room with a window into the main part of the church.

As to restaurants, I would never take children to a public place when they
or I was having a bad day.It's not worth the hassle.

[carole]

Well it is not something that is happening down under, no segregation here on the beaches at the moment.

I don't see a major issue with it and even though i have children, i can well understand the need of those who don't not wanting them around, so i say why not? sounds a reasonable idea to me.

However kay-ann made a good point, alot of the adults are obnoxious themselves, so you might not get the relaxing time you planned at the adult only beach after all. :)