“No children allowed.” Storm after the decision of the Polish water park

The Internet was abuzz with the idea of ​​the “Fala” water park in Łódź, which invited guests via Facebook to a special event without the participation of children. The day planned for October 19 under the slogan “Wave for adults only” was met with mixed reactions from Internet users who either accused the park authorities of discrimination or praised the company for a brave and necessary initiative. This is not the first time that “The Wave” has faced mass criticism. Two years ago, the facility in Łódź proposed something equally shocking – it inaugurated “sauna Tuesdays only for women”, and then decided on the order of entry to the sessions, in which women were to have priority.

A day at the water park without children

“Do you dream of a whole day at the pool without squeaking, splashing and queues for the slides? On October 19, only adults will have fun at Aquapark Fala!” – we read in a post published at noon on October 7. The information was accompanied by an eloquent poster in which a dissatisfied, crying child was placed in a crossed out red circle. The organizers clearly noted that during the “Wave for adults only” event planned for October 19 this year. children are not welcome. “Start at 9:00, finish at 22:00. Children are not allowed,” it said. What kind of entertainment can adult guests expect? The attractions include: dank tunk, a device popular at American events designed to immerse a participant locked in a cage, a bar, a relaxation zone with deckchairs and massages. As you can guess, the controversial idea aroused strong reactions from Internet users, including politicians.

“Are there any plans for more days ‘without anyone’? No teenagers? Without those born on even days? No lefties? Absurd! Every family with children who comes to spend time together at the swimming pool this Saturday will be asked to leave?” – asked MP Paulina Matysiak.

A member of the New Hope party has a similar opinion. “The pro-family policy implemented by the City of Łódź Office is in full swing, especially with the poster and description that identifies children with a crying and squeaking ‘problem’ that needs to be gotten rid of. In addition, comments about “stinking cashew-eaters” and “brats” – which, as I see, pass through the moderation sieve. And all the “action” on the weekend, which is usually full of parents with children. If Aquapark Łódź was private, you could turn a blind eye. For now, however, it is a municipal company, so in principle it should be available to everyone. The youngest are also residents of Łódź” – says Klaudia Domagała.

There were also more favorable opinions. “Great action! With this post, you have gained a lot of support from childless people, you are already being talked about in childfree groups. Many people are planning to come to you for this child-free day, even from outside Łódź (including me from Warsaw). Moreover, the number of likes and shares clearly indicates this,” writes one of the Internet users. At this point, “Fala’s” post with the event has gained over 2.2 thousand “hearts” and less than 500 “dissatisfied” reactions.

Aquapark “Fala” has its own opinion

The popular water park explained the origins of its idea on its website. “This is a response to the needs of our clients who regularly ask us to organize events without the participation of children,” says Krzysztof Babij, president of Aquapark Fala. The authorities of the Łódź attraction believe that in the era of increasing popularity of places intended for 18+ customers, giving one day only to adults is not outrageous. Especially since the park specializes in organizing numerous events for families on a daily basis. It is not known what the reaction of the facility’s employees will be when families with children line up to enter on Saturday, October 19. After all, not every parent checks Facebook updates before arriving at the pool.

“Could it have been done differently, better? Of course. For example: an event organized on Friday evening, only adults are invited, a photo of a couple with a drink – leave the children under supervision and do something for yourself,” wrote Klaudia Domagała on her profile, accusing the company of a terrible promotional strategy.

Due to the Internet storm, we asked the marketing office of the Łódź aquapark about its position and are currently waiting for an answer.