The State Will Continue To Leave The Decision Up To The Parents
May 28, 2008
North Carolina State Parks continue to evaluate barriers and signs at Chimney Rock after this past weekend’s tragic death when a toddler fell under a barrier and off a cliff. The state has no plans to close or limit access to potentially dangerous areas to children. Rather they attempt to educate parents through signage and park staff so parents can decide on the appropriateness for their own children.
“To say no, children should not go on this trail, or children should not go near this water feature — I’m not sure we want to take that responsibility entirely, and I’m not sure our visitors want us to take that responsibility,” said parks and recreation spokesman Charlie Peek.
Chimney Rock general manager Mary Jaeger-Gale said Giovani Chávez’s death was a devastating accident and a rare occurrence at the highly visited park.
The boy had been hiking with his parents Bibiana and Arturo Chávez, of Spartanburg, S.C., and a group of about 15 people, Peek said.
Jaeger-Gale said park staff suggests that families with children use lower trails, and the Skyline-Cliff Trail had signs in English and Spanish warning hikers to take safety precautions.
Outdoors and nature can be a very unforgiving and there is no way that it can be made safe. I agree with the state that individuals need to take responsibility for themselves and their children. With that said I’m sure I won’t be seated on the jury that hears this case. In this day and age with people suing over much less frivolous things I’d be surprised that a death inside a state park would not bring a suit.
Moose Droppings is a place that chronicles my journey, Ill explore new places and ideas Ill learn new things and Ill teach the things Ive learned to others. Join me on the adventure and hopefully it will help you in your outdoor endeavors.
