Volenti non fit injuria

We live in the best city in the best state in the best nation in the world, and we cannot let our kids go sledding on Flag Hill.

Our wonderful City built a beautiful skate park for our kids, in a park with the Missouri River flowing by. With the Rivers Edge Trail, that the people of this city built with their sweat and money, with dreams and a dedication to our community.

And we worry what will happen when someone gets hurt and sues the City. When. Not if.

I have talked before about talking responsibility for our actions, whatever those actions are. In the specific examples here, if you go sledding out on the family farm and get hurt, you are responsible for what happens. But if you go sledding on a City hill, with signs that state “at your own risk” someone can always find a way to sue. If you let your kids go skateboarding or roller skating at the skate park, is there a chance they will injure themselves?
Yes.
Is it your responsibility as a parent to understand that risk and decide if it means your kids can’t go? How many adults out there remember jumping your bikes off loading docks, every hill and gravel pile you could find, the steps of your buddys house. If you got hurt, what did your parents tell you? When you wiped out did you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and be more careful next time? Were you a kid who learned from your mistakes, or did your Mommy make you stay home and do safe things because you might get hurt?
How much fun is being a kid then.