We had a tragic evening. Terrible. Big time. As soon as Auggie and I stepped out onto the track today to do our usual post-work walk/nap, we got snagged by a staff member only to be told that we weren't allowed on the track. Edit that. Babies (or kids?) on the track are a liability to Campus Rec, and thus are not allowed. SUCKS! The staff member continued to tell me that the liability is in the off chance that we get crashed into by a runner, somehow fall and Auggie gets hurt. Well, we've been walking on the track for a good month now, and we've never gotten even a little bit close to danger. In fact, everybody loves us.
(As a side note, I was surprised by my own emotional reaction to being told we weren't welcome. All of the sudden the ARC felt like a horrible, hostile place. Rather than interpreting every one's surprised-to-see-a-baby faces as delighted, they all transformed into negative, disapproving faces. It really felt strange.)
Dan and I talked to management, and apparently babies/kids on the track used to be a gray area when it came to Campus Rec rules, but last night at the staff meeting it was deemed a clear no-no. Arggggh. I have to wonder if Auggie and my regular presence is what prompted the new rule. All the same, I used to consistently see another baby on the track at CRCE (a different facility) a few years ago.
We're going to see if we can somehow sign a waiver allowing Kiddo and me to walk again. Chances are that it might not go through, but it's worth a try. In fact, one of Auggie's special adorers who oogles over him in the locker room works on campus and knows people in high places. She suggested that we let her know if they're not flexible with us, and she'll speak to some friends.
The moral of the story is that it pays to have a cute baby. (Here he is!)
1 comment:
Oh, Val, that does stink! Pretty interesting that it came up at the staff mtg last night and you were told today... What if they just have you sign a release of liability? Oh man! Living in a climate with a cold winter, the ability to walk at the ARC with your baby is so valuable. Will pray it works out one way or another. Love you! af
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