Feeding Ducks, Fines, and Quiet Cafés: A Day at Aspire Park

 Aspire Park is best known for its large artificial lake in the center, where ducks happily swim, attracting other birds like a magnet. Last year, after immense effort, the water of this roughly 15-year-old lake was drained and thoroughly cleaned—no small task for such a large "duck bath"! It's no surprise that authorities are now trying to dissuade people from feeding the birds with bits of bread.

Hourly announcements over the loudspeakers warned that fines as high as  $3,000 could be imposed for littering, including feeding the ducks. And yet, the most astonishing part: some families still thought a few crumbs were worth the risk. It seems there are people who love feeding ducks even more than they fear the rules! 🦆😊

Perhaps the authorities should first inform the public about why feeding the ducks is harmful to everyone, including the ducks themselves. I can imagine that some people might think feeding them is a kind and generous act.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t indulge in my favorite pastime—watching the birds from a café terrace by the lake. Both lakeside cafés were closed and appeared empty, as if waiting for a new tenant.

There are smaller kiosks, however, where you can get a drink or a snack.