'Moms Talk' Q & A: Should the New Aquarium Ban Strollers?

Each week the council will answer a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week, the Moms Council addresses the ban on strollers at the new Greater Cleveland Aquarium opening Saturday in the Powerhouse building on the west bank of the Flats.

The ban upset some parents, but 69 percent of respondents to a poll on Patch supported the move. Here's what members of the Moms Council have to say about this subject.

Susan Jerome: That's a tough one. I can see both sides to the question. I'd rather have a small child in a stroller rather than running around and trying to side-step him/her and I understand where strollers do take up room making it more difficult to see the display. At other places, like the zoo, people generally wait their turn to get close to the exhibit so why not here also?

I probably wouldn't go if I couldn't bring a stroller when my children were young because of the inconvenience of carrying them and, if they are old enough to walk, having to make sure they didn't get in anyone's way. A stroller is definately more convenient.
 
I like the idea of banning them for the first few weeks when the aquarium will be very well attended and then allowing them when attendance slows down. I think that is the best compromise.
 
As always, not everyone will be happy with whatever they decide. Hopefully people will be understanding, whichever way it goes.

Kim Zannetti: I think that any public attraction that caters to families should allow strollers. When our children were small, our stroller was our lifesaver. No one wants to listen to a tired, fussy child. If the stroller could make a family's life easier, then I am all for it. Besides, I'm sure the aquarium doesn't mind the family generating revenue.