Annoyance about the prohibition signs in Villette Park

Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Zuger Zeitung, Carmen Rogenmoser, on how one person's freedom ends where another's begins.
 

The reaction is understandable: anyone who sees the two large prohibition signs at the entrance to Villette Park in Cham could quickly feel patronised. At first glance, the many prohibitions seem like a vote of no confidence in the visitors. And some people rightly ask: are we even allowed to do anything anymore? It's therefore not surprising that the topic is generating discussion on social media, especially since the temperatures are inviting activities in the open air.

But the rules are not new: they’ve been in place for more than 20 years. The differing demands on public space are increasingly clashing in our society: some people want to spread out, picnic, barbecue, swim, or play sports, while others are looking for peace, relaxation and a place where they aren't constantly surrounded by activities. Both desires are legitimate.

And both are possible within the recreational areas in Cham: the Villette Park deliberately offers a quiet alternative to the neighbouring Hirsgarten. The lakeside swimming area (Badi), on the other hand, provides space for activities, swimming, barbecuing, and socialising. This isn't just tolerated in this area, it's welcomed, and the recently installed electric grills are proof of this. This is not an expression of narrow-mindedness, but rather of planning.

Two signs at the entrance to Villette Park in Cham immediately point out the numerous prohibitions there Photo: Facebook

One can, of course, discuss the individual rules. Whether a more comprehensive picnic ban is truly necessary is debatable. It's also true that bans often primarily affect those who are already willing to respect rules. Inconsiderate people are rarely impressed by signs. Nevertheless, rules, and in this case, extensive ones, aren't created without reason. They suggest that there have been conflicts in the past. The presence of a park ranger and security personnel also supports this.

Ultimately, it's less about prohibition and more about consideration. Not every public space has to be for everyone and everything. The greatest freedom sometimes lies precisely in the fact that different places cater to different needs. But for that to happen, you have to be willing to look beyond the signs.