It’s a bit weird, but it’s better than putting a sign on a public space, or marking it off with plastic and expecting others to show more manners than you are. At least paying for someone to be there is putting in a bit of effort yourself. Not sure I agree with it though!

I agree this is genius but also unfair on others. Why not get a foldaway table and even a canopy and set that up. That way you could get there an hour earlier to start setting up and no-one will be able to complain. It must be a small park if there’s only one table though.

I agree with those who thought it was genius. If they are willing to pay someone the money to sit there for 2 hours and reserve the spot, they deserve to have it. It’s not as though there are no other parks and places that people can go to. There is nothing worse than going to the effort of planning something and relying on a space, only to find you weren’t quick enough.

I have mixed feelings on this, it is kind of genius it also not fair because what if someone wanted to use it between 7-9am? When you have a party at the park always have a plan b and bring a fold away table and that way you can find a nice shady spot under the tree. Wouldn’t that be easier?

Make sure you have a plan B as not all plans work out as you want. If others want to sit at the table they have the right to (not that I’d want to invade a birthday party but it does happen). Having someone sit for a fee might work but then again not. Arrange your own table and chairs just in case.

If there was just one person sitting at a table I’d expect to be able to use part of it and the situation in reverse I’d always share. I can understand the idea but in reality you are taking it up the tables for far longer than you need to. Some say it’s too early for most but there may be walkers, cyclists, Mum’s groups that exercise together early then stop for a catch up etc. I’d just bring by own table & unbrella for the food, and picnic rugs.

Its all good sitting at a table for two hours but in reality that person can stop anyone else “sharing” the table if they want to. It’s still a public place and one person doesn’t take up a whole table. It might work but it could be a wasted $50 if it doesn’t. I personally would bring my own tables just in case instead.

If it works then good on them. Easy work for $50 so they won’t have any shortage of people willing to sit for 2 hours for the money. Of course the problem might be if two or more families have arranged a party for that day at the same venue. I’d be taking my own table just in case.

I don’t think it’s terrible. He paid the money so it’s fair enough. There are other options such as setting up a picnic party or having it in your own or a friend’s backyard. People are very quick to judge others but I think he was being resourceful here and it doesn’t worry me!

So this new world problem is interesting… in the one hand, yay to everyone for getting outside and we’ve certainly seen some creative approaches to reserving space in recent times. Town planners? Developers? TAKE NOTE! More green spaces and facilities are needed in high density living areas. People don’t have their own green spaces, so it should be mandatory planning and not a token effort.

The comment below is a response to Ellen’s comment.

I am so pleased that someone else has the same idea. It makes picnics fuss free and the extra bonus is being able to set up a spot away from other people for privacy and plenty of space. We also use our table and chairs and rugs for other events and purposes too.

I think this is a very clever idea, and a win-win situation for both the sitter and the table. No one was hurt by this action and his children would have a great time once they got there. It sounds like it was for a birthday breakfast as everyone was expected to arrive by 9am – far too early for most people to be down at the foreshore under usual circumstances.

I don’t think the Dad is doing anything wrong and someone gets paid $50 to sit for two hours.

Try to get a council to do something for you and you will see how they don’t care and won’t do anything that is why we hate them.Thanks for being a great dad looking after his children he is doing no harm and if you do not like it you are a selfish git

Exactly, this is what we did as well ! When my kids were younger I bought a foldable picnic table betweenh four and five meters long when unfolded. I used it for birthday parties in the park, but also for partes or gathering in our back yard or in front of our house at street parties. It’s easy to ask the party guest to bring a picnic rug as well.

We have always found an alternative solution to needing to use a picnic table at a park. We use picnic blankets and tables and chairs and it removes the possible ‘high drama’ around finding a picnic table. Picnics blankets and portable tables and chairs are relaxing and good for using underneath shade.