Tell Us: Should Town Fence in Ponds?

A child's drowning death at Heckscher Park pond Nov. 11 has sparked a debate over whether to fence public water features to prevent future tragedy.

"I beg the town supervisor to please put up a gate around the pond. Too many children wander off near that pond to see the ducks," said one commenter.

"I agree that a fence should be put up. My daughter fell in 16 years ago when she was 2 years old also," said another. "I jumped right in and grabbed her out, leaving my newborn in the stroller on the sidewalk. Will never forget it. My condolences to this poor baby's family, I'm so sorry.

Others vehemently opposed the idea.

"A gate doesn't need to be put up around the pond. Unfortunately, tragedies happen every day in often the most unlikely and unexpected of ways. Not everything needs to be regulated or fenced in," said one.

"It is not the job of the town to parent small children," said another. "This tragedy was an accident. We can't prevent every accident from happening. My heart breaks for these parents but I'm totally against the idea of a fence around the pond."

Where do you stand? Should Heckscher Park Pond by fenced in? Should all public water features be fenced in?

Tell us in the comments below.