Many Ohio University students like to have fun, but this fun shouldn't include breaking and entering the old hospital.
Though it may seem like a fun rite of passage, it is illegal to go inside the buildings at The Ridges.
If you don’t think people get caught and charged with trespassing, you are mistaken. The Ohio University Police Department has brought charges against eight such people so far this year.
By all means, go walk around The Ridges and take pictures of the old buildings and the surrounding area, it really is beautiful up there. You should take in the breathtaking views from the tops of the hills that overlook Athens and appreciate the scenery. If you absolutely feel the need to see what the inside of one of the buildings looks like, visit the Kennedy Museum of Art, located in Lin Hall.
{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="2c89d8a8-6e0a-11e5-b3df-8b93e01a8aeb"}}
But under no circumstances should you wander into any of the buildings that aren’t meant for you to be in. Not only is this illegal, but you honestly could get hurt. The stairs leading up to the upper floors are metal and not the most stable steps in the world. Breaking into the buildings themselves also many require to physically break something, which can lead to you having to explain to a nurse at O’Bleness how you cut your hand.
Inside, you’ll likely find dusty hospital records left over from when the Athens Mental Health Center was in existence and dark hallways, nothing too exciting. If you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline, try to find it in a more respectful way — somewhere that won’t elicit jail time and a fine.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of 's executive editors: Editor-in-Chief Emma Ockerman, Managing Editor Rebekah Barnes, Opinion Editor Will Gibbs and Digital Managing Editor Samuel Howard. Post editorials are independent of the publication's news coverage.
