Parents Talk: A Ban on Sidewalk Chalk?
Do you consider sidewalk chalk enough of a nuisance to consider banning it from your neighborhood?
If you live anywhere near a neighborhood with children, then you've probably seen the chalky drawings. In decent weather, they cover sidewalks, driveways, curbs and sometimes even your front porch.
Still, no matter how much chalk dust flies, would the drawings be enough for you to want to ban sidewalk chalk?
That's the issue in one Denver, Colo. neighborhood where the homeowners association is trying to curb the use of sidewalk chalk.
According to the story, association members are anti-chalk because in shared spaces or common areas, "anything that offends, disturbs or interferes with the peaceful enjoyment isn’t allowed." Apparently, not all neighbors are down with the juvenile artwork.
What do you think? Would you get behind a ban on sidewalk chalk or is the very idea child's play? Tell us in the comments.
Emmett Till
8:20 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
Seriously? Now sidewalk chalk is "illegal"? Some up-tight, downright mean people need to take an attitude adjustment. Each of those childish chalk drawings is a testimony to the hope we can all have in our future. It is a symbol of things right and good and should infuse each of us with optimism. In contrast, the Scrooges who oppose this make me pessimistic for the future of our world.
Beth Dalbey
8:30 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
I happened along a Hollywood-like "Walk of Fame" on one of my daily jaunts around my neighborhood. There were at least a dozen stars and they had themes, like an American flag and a peace symbol. I imagined the fun kids had creating them and wished I'd had a stick of chalk to mark my own path along the street. Ban sidewalk chalk? Fun-haters.
Doug Robertson
8:46 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
WTF?
Jody Gifford
9:20 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
My sentiments exactly, Doug. I have three kids and sidewalk chalk is a staple at our house. I'd have to go all "Mama Bear" on our HOA if the idea of banning it ever came up. It's not spray paint. If you don't like it, hose it off or wait until it rains. Fun haters.
Jon McAvoy
10:26 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
Agree, Jody. That's just crazy. How can you draw out your hop scotch game without chalk on the sidewalk. :-)
Erv Server
5:25 pm on Monday, July 2, 2012
I go for long walks around town and enjoy seeing the artistic chalk work, doesn't it wash off when it rains anyway? I think we have far worse things to worry about.
Xizang
11:10 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
I don't completely agree. Kids need to learn respect for others and their space. Do you encourage your kids to go over to the neighbor's front yard to build snowmen or snow forts? Why not, after all, they will eventually melt anyway, right?
Troy Murphy
12:54 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
I think we should all go out in the middle of the night and color everyone of their sidewalks, granted it is in Denver and may require a road trip, but it would be worth it just to see the looks on their faces the next day.
Kurt B.
8:04 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
HUH ???? Don't we have better things to do with our officials time ? Are going to outlaw skip-roping next ? Skateboarding ? Walking the dog ?
Xizang
11:07 am on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
I think it's fine if your kids want to chalk your own walks and driveways. But I don't think it's good parenting to allow them to get in the habit of chalking the neighbor's walks. I believe that kids these days are lacking in respect for others. So keep it at home on your own property - that should be okay.
Troy Murphy
5:29 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
I would have to agree on this one, When I read the article it appeared they were chalking their own sidewalks within the association. I would no more let my 4 girls chalk a neighbor without their permission than I would want them chalking mine.
Bekah
12:14 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
They are kids. Is it going to be illegal to play soccer in their backyard next? Really, this should not be an issue.
Xizang
4:31 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
There's a huge difference between granting approval for your kids to play ball in their own back yard vs. playing ball in the neighbor's back yard. Your sweet little angels might not mean a whole lot to neighbors who don't have children, or whose kids are grown and left home. You really should teach your kids to respect the rights and space of others.
MDF
12:22 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
My best guess is the parents of these juvenile delinquents spend all of there time at the association meetings thinking up new rules, and they don't want to be held responsible for whatever profanity the nanny might have taught to there children, Leave the meeting.....make supper....engage your children and teach them how to be appropriate, respectful, and kind.....and maybe they will learn the meaning of a word like integrity......just a thought
Michele Larsen
8:24 am on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
What is the world coming to? Sidewalk chalk is a joyful, playful way of expressing your creative side--no matter what your age is.