They weren't all about crushing the joy
I should clarify.
The signs mentioned previously were in special garden areas. One was at the entrance of the Japanese garden with lots of ground coverings not of the grass variety that would trample easily. Not to mention delicate plants and rock arrangements. Running and tromping would destroy the peace, design and meaning of the garden.
This picture is a sculpture, of sorts, that spirals around the tree and encourages you to walk in it and watch, or even help, the red pinwheels move around. You may notice grass did not survive under the tree and that's okay. And there were many areas you could explore.
Again, to run a point into the ground - it's all about the situation and many now don't get that.
I agree, may have been a more positive way to word the signs. But they did make me chuckle.