Man with no kids at playground

[Anonymous]

How would you handle this situation?

On a daily basis there is a man with no kids who walks in circles around the local playground for a LONG time. Like literally around the equipment not like on a path or something.

It is super creepy and makes us avoid going, which feels unfair to my children. Should I reach out to 311? How would you handle?

[Anonymous]

Call the non-emergency support line for police. They will check it out.

[Anonymous]

See something, say something

[Anonymous]

Just around the play equipment? So a circle with only a 20-30 foot diameter? That is weird. Tell us more about the man. What he looks like, how old he looks, whether he talks to or looks at people, etc.

[Anonymous]

Definitely call the non emergency number of the police. They will talk to him, and he needs to know that he has been noticed and recorded.

[Anonymous]

We need more information. How old is he? Does he just walk or does he do anything else (look at a phone, listen to music, etc.)? Is he dressed appropriately for the weather/activity? Do you get the impression that he's mentally disabled or on the spectrum?

I'm a prosecutor and my initial thought is that he is cognitively disabled or on the spectrum and that he enjoys the playground, but doesn't appreciate that his behavior is alarming to others. Walking around in a small area draws attention to him, which is something that you wouldn't expect an actual child predator to do.

[Anonymous]

That sounds like someone on the spectrum. A predator would sit on the bench, staring at kids, and try to take photos.

My son with autism walks about in circles. At home.

[Anonymous]

I would do nothing. Let him be. He isn’t bothering any one. He does it daily. It’s his thing, who cares.

[Anonymous]

It really does sound like someone with autism. Has anyone ever said a quick hello to him? It might be worth interacting once as it might make it more clear what is going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How would you handle this situation?

On a daily basis there is a man with no kids who walks in circles around the local playground for a LONG time. Like literally around the equipment not like on a path or something.

It is super creepy and makes us avoid going, which feels unfair to my children. Should I reach out to 311? How would you handle? [/quote

I agree that this is likely behavior related to neurodiversity, and that it is unfair to your kids to have a parent who is intolerant of neurodiversity to the point that they restrict healthy outdoor activity.

What to do? Go to the park.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How would you handle this situation?

On a daily basis there is a man with no kids who walks in circles around the local playground for a LONG time. Like literally around the equipment not like on a path or something.

It is super creepy and makes us avoid going, which feels unfair to my children. Should I reach out to 311? How would you handle?

I agree that this is likely behavior related to neurodiversity, and that it is unfair to your kids to have a parent who is intolerant of neurodiversity to the point that they restrict healthy outdoor activity.

What to do? Go to the park.

Bingo. OP, it seems that you are the problem here. In case you didn't know, people who prey on children are often the most socially-savvy and pleasant people you meet. They develop that persona to lull you into a false sense of security so you give them access to your kids. Often they're coaches or volunteers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:See something, say something

Butt he did nothin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How would you handle this situation?

On a daily basis there is a man with no kids who walks in circles around the local playground for a LONG time. Like literally around the equipment not like on a path or something.

It is super creepy and makes us avoid going, which feels unfair to my children. Should I reach out to 311? How would you handle?

I agree that this is likely behavior related to neurodiversity, and that it is unfair to your kids to have a parent who is intolerant of neurodiversity to the point that they restrict healthy outdoor activity.

What to do? Go to the park.

Bingo. OP, it seems that you are the problem here. In case you didn't know, people who prey on children are often the most socially-savvy and pleasant people you meet. They develop that persona to lull you into a false sense of security so you give them access to your kids. Often they're coaches or volunteers.

Dp. I understand why op is concerned. While he likely isn't a predator, his behavior is unusual. Even if he is autistic and this loop of the equipment is part of his routine, none of us can tell op how he would react if he were approached by a child or adult. We don't know if he might behave in a way which may upset a child. Also, if he is on the spectrum or otherwise cognitively disabled, why is he not accompanied or supervised by another adult?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We need more information. How old is he? Does he just walk or does he do anything else (look at a phone, listen to music, etc.)? Is he dressed appropriately for the weather/activity? Do you get the impression that he's mentally disabled or on the spectrum?

I'm a prosecutor and my initial thought is that he is cognitively disabled or on the spectrum and that he enjoys the playground, but doesn't appreciate that his behavior is alarming to others. Walking around in a small area draws attention to him, which is something that you wouldn't expect an actual child predator to do.

That's a lot of assumptions there. Your law school should have taught you better.

[Anonymous]

OP, you are right to be concerned. As others have said, call the nonemergency number for the police and let them know. Even if this person is no threat to the kids (which he likely isn't but we have no way of knowing that), he needs to understand why circling a playground with children on it is inappropriate and find another more appropriate place to walk/pace around outside.