Open Forum

I am interested to hear from other historic sites that have buildings surrounded by a large landscape. Our site totals 1500 acres – approximately 650 acres sits within a gated area that has a Gate House beside and used as the administrative office. The gate is not locked – just have to lift it, we close it when the office is closed. However during winter months we are not normally on site during the weekend, nor are we here most warm summer evenings when people want to explore the grounds. We do have walking trails so we do invite visitors to use the grounds.

Recently we have experienced a great number of people entering the grounds when we are not open (either lift the gate / park at the gate and walk in). Although we have not had serious vandalism problems we potentially could (rural property / heritage buildings not visible from the road etc). We are thinking about putting a lock on the gate – it will be difficult to monitor / sending negative message out etc but we have to think of liability issues especially when staff are not on site.   Oh did I say we are a non government, not-for-profit operation owned by a Land Trust (most think we are public and they have a right to use the grounds.) We have a small staff / budget will not allow electronic gate or (human) gate keeper. I am interested in comments from others.

thanks   

Marilynn Havelka

Chief Administrative Officer

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

243 Haldimand HWY 54, P.O. Box 610

Cayuga ON  N0A1E0

Phone: 905-772-0560

Fax: 905-772-0561

marilynn@ruthvenpark.ca

I am interested to hear from other historic sites that have buildings surrounded by a large landscape. Our site totals 1500 acres – approximately 650 acres sits within a gated area that has a Gate House beside and used as the administrative office. The gate is not locked – just have to lift it, we close it when the office is closed. However during winter months we are not normally on site during the weekend, nor are we here most warm summer evenings when people want to explore the grounds. We do have walking trails so we do invite visitors to use the grounds.

Recently we have experienced a great number of people entering the grounds when we are not open (either lift the gate / park at the gate and walk in). Although we have not had serious vandalism problems we potentially could (rural property / heritage buildings not visible from the road etc). We are thinking about putting a lock on the gate – it will be difficult to monitor / sending negative message out etc but we have to think of liability issues especially when staff are not on site.   Oh did I say we are a non government, not-for-profit operation owned by a Land Trust (most think we are public and they have a right to use the grounds.) We have a small staff / budget will not allow electronic gate or (human) gate keeper. I am interested in comments from others.

thanks   

Marilynn Havelka

Chief Administrative Officer

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

243 Haldimand HWY 54, P.O. Box 610

Cayuga ON  N0A1E0

Phone: 905-772-0560

Fax: 905-772-0561

marilynn@ruthvenpark.ca

I am interested to hear from other historic sites that have buildings surrounded by a large landscape. Our site totals 1500 acres – approximately 650 acres sits within a gated area that has a Gate House beside and used as the administrative office. The gate is not locked – just have to lift it, we close it when the office is closed. However during winter months we are not normally on site during the weekend, nor are we here most warm summer evenings when people want to explore the grounds. We do have walking trails so we do invite visitors to use the grounds.

Recently we have experienced a great number of people entering the grounds when we are not open (either lift the gate / park at the gate and walk in). Although we have not had serious vandalism problems we potentially could (rural property / heritage buildings not visible from the road etc). We are thinking about putting a lock on the gate – it will be difficult to monitor / sending negative message out etc but we have to think of liability issues especially when staff are not on site.   Oh did I say we are a non government, not-for-profit operation owned by a Land Trust (most think we are public and they have a right to use the grounds.) We have a small staff / budget will not allow electronic gate or (human) gate keeper. I am interested in comments from others.

thanks   

Marilynn Havelka

Chief Administrative Officer

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

243 Haldimand HWY 54, P.O. Box 610

Cayuga ON  N0A1E0

Phone: 905-772-0560

Fax: 905-772-0561

marilynn@ruthvenpark.ca