FORT SMITH (KFSM) - Parrot Island management has apologized for a nursing incident and issued a statement of support for breastfeeding.
A woman was asked to nurse her baby in a bathroom at Parrot Island, according to a post on closed Facebook group.
Parrot Island General Manager William Miller released the following statement:
"In respect to all breast feeding mothers, Parrot Island understands the need and right to breast feed young children. We not only understand your rights to breastfeed in a public place, but we support your rights. We allow breast feeding anywhere in the park and this policy is reviewed often through our routine staff training. We truly regret the incident in question that occurred with a staff member who did not communicate our policy effectively. We have followed up with the staff member in question and will continue our training efforts with all staff members throughout the remainder of the season.
In addition to the right to breastfeed throughout the park it has been our intent to offer, if desired, accommodations in our air conditioned offices for additional comfort.
Being a father of three boys who were breast fed, I will work hard to make sure our policy is understood and followed by all staff members. I sincerely apologize for the incident, as well as, the confusion and hope that all mothers understand we have a policy dedicated to be more accommodating to both mother and child.
I can be reached at the park’s management office if anyone has additional questions."