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 Replies: 20 / Views: 5,015 |
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Valued Member
United States
265 Posts |
I went to go detect a ball park that I've been going to for a couple years, located in the town I grew up in. I got asked to stop diggin by a lady who apparently helps maintain the park, almost seemed like a volunteer from what I made of it (must be someone new because I used to go every Sunday after visiting my father 2 years ago). I mainly only go there to pluck quarters here and there by sticking the tip of my knife a couple inches and pulling up, wasn't leaving any noticable marks in the ground. I'd barely label it as digging. The field itself isn't anything crazy, just lots of quarters (and a silver ring just today). I've also been there and have had police drive by watching what I was doing before and never said anything. I also only go if there are only 3 people or less there (most of the time vacant).
My question is should I chalk it up as no more ball park? I probably wouldn't even bother making phone calls and shaking hands to be able to detect there, because it's only just a quarter hunt, so to speak. It would be a shame because that's the only reason I have to even drive through my old neighborhood anymore, and I enjoy detecting that park.
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Valued Member
United States
122 Posts |
Hello:
My opinion is that if you are in a park that has a ball field,stay away from the field. Maybe the lady was concerned about you damaging the ball playing field.
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Valued Member
 United States
265 Posts |
I could see where that would be a concern, but I do not go on the actual playing fields. I stay outside the fences for those. I also don't leave holes.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1609 Posts |
Maybe contact park association in your area? (If you don't have that, maybe police as a non-emergency?)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3113 Posts |
My opinion: if this is a public park and there are no postings that would preclude your activity, and you are leaving the place as you found it (minus the loot) I would continue as you have. Who knows, maybe she's a searcher too...
"Nummi rari mira sunt, si sumptus ferre potes." - Christophorus filius Scotiae
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
If it's legal, then do what you like. If you see that woman again, you might point out that the grass will grow better without bits of metal in the soil and that you clean-up and carry away any trash you dig up.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
I've hunted for decades and I've never run into such a problem. In the case you cited I might let the lady actually see what you are doing and mention the reason you hunt the park is more for nostalgia than gain.
Then offer to show her in HER yard.
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Valued Member
United States
338 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
265 Posts |
It seemed kinda weird to me. She did come off a tiny bit snippy, and was kinda turning her back and walking away as I was trying to speak with her. I've never seen her before, and like I said, I've gone there plenty of times before with no issue. Maybe I shouldn't let it keep me away for good.
I'm thinking I caught someone who may have either been having a rough day (who may actually maintain the place in some form), or she may not have understood what I was doing (or cared). I'm thinking she didn't like it because it was the equivalent, to her, of someone walking indoors with shoes on after they just vacuumed.
Should I make a non-emergency call to the town police, when I go again, just to see if I'm in the wrong or not here? Just in case that happens again while I'm there.
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
I used to golf: so as long as you replace your divots  it should be okay. But it sounded like you aren't doing much more "damage" than you would expect from a "Yard Dart" (I had a set of those) |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
I would just go to the authorities in charge and get permission to dig in the park and leave it as you found it. If they say no you can't, then you know where you stand. On the lighter side .... you can imagine this while she walks up to tell you to stop digging.  Tell her nobody will ever be able to tell you were there except her. |
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Rest in Peace
10197 Posts |
It may be wise to phone PD, if nothing else get the name of who you talk to giving you permission to dig the field. Therefore you have any retort needed for the lady if you see her again.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
If you ask park officials for permission, chances are you'll get a "no" regardless of any park rules.
It's just too easy for them to say no.
If no rules are posted, go for it.
Old folks like to make everyone's business their business.
Just ignore the old bag, next time take a can of mace. Just kidding.
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3307 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7453 Posts |
Unless there is a city ordinance (or posted park rules) that specifically prohibit this type of activity in city managed parks then you should be good to go.
Your activity does less damage to the park than a group would setting up and playing a game of horseshoes, croquet or ring toss. If you still have questions call the parks department.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
Well unless she has the authority to stop you, which hasn't been demonstrated I wouldn't worry.. just continue as you are and wait and see what happens.
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Replies: 20 / Views: 5,015 |
Posted 07/30/2017 6:19 pm
