$50 Airtasker job ad highlights growing Sydney problem

A dad has put a job out asking if someone would help secure him a picnic table for his child’s birthday – to mixed reactions.

A recent job ad on Airtasker has highlighted just how far some parents are willing to go to secure a spot in a park for a child’s birthday party.

The ad was offering $50 for someone to sit at a picnic table in Alison Park in Randwick, an affluent suburb in Sydney’s East, for two hours early on Sunday morning.

“Planning a kids’ birthday party at Alison Park. We need someone to mind the only picnic table in the park, so essentially, we need someone to sit at the table and reserve the spot for two hours from 7am to 9am,” wrote the user, Matt.

He also provided detailed directions and photos of the picnic shelter.

A job ad posted on Airtasker asked someone to help reserve a picnic table. Picture: Supplied

The post was quickly screenshotted and shared in an Eastern Suburbs parenting Facebook group, where it received mixed reactions.

“First come, first served,” one person commented.

“It’s unfair, you can’t reserve public spaces,” added another.

Someone else thought $50 was “cheap” and Matt needed to offer more money.

However, the general consensus was surprisingly one of praise, with many parents admitting they wished they had thought of this idea sooner.

“Genius! An easy way to earn cash!” said one parent.

“I don’t see any issue with this. It’s a great idea, and the guy is paying for it,” another mum remarked.

Someone else agreed it was “really smart,” while others joked, “Work smarter, not harder.”

The playground at the park in Randwick. Picture: Google Maps

Meanwhile, some group members pointed out that this was a natural solution given councils often lack a booking system.

“I also don’t see an issue with this. It’s common practice for people to arrive early to reserve spots and tables at the park for parties. Maybe this person doesn’t have any help, so it’s completely fine to pay someone to help them. Of course, it would be nicer if the council had a booking system, but they don’t,” one local wrote.

“I don’t think it’s a terrible idea. I actually prefer it when councils have a booking system for tables. It saves people from having to reserve a table all day for a 1pm party and holds them responsible for tidying up afterwards,” said another commenter.

Others shared their own frustrations with trying to book public spaces.

“It’s really difficult to organise events when you can’t guarantee a spot. Last night, I was attending a hens party and nearly had to ask my husband to go early to a pub to reserve a table for us, since we couldn’t book until we arrived. It was very stressful when you have 15 people coming and no guarantee of space,” one user shared.

A debate has erupted over whether or not you can reserve public spaces. Picture: Randwick Council

The debate comes amid broader criticism of the growing trend of reserving public spaces – whether it’s a prime spot on the sand with a beach cabana, standing in car spaces or glad-wrapping picnic shelters.

Etiquette expert Anna Musson told news.com.au last week that it’s bad etiquette to try and reserve public spaces.

“With all matters of etiquette, we have to apply context and ask ourselves if it passes the pub test. In these cases, I think we can all agree the answer is no,” she said.

“The ‘first in, best dressed’ rule applies for booths at the pub, parks, views, seats at the cricket, the footy, and clothing sales! Remember, we’re all in the same situation, and a space will become available.”

Originally published as $50 Airtasker job ad highlights growing Sydney problem