LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Some smokers consider park as personal ash tray

Published 8:42 am Thursday, August 8, 2013

Last week, I had the privilege of going to the new South Kitsap skate park with my 10-year-old grandson and his scooter.

I realized after observing the rolling activity for a few minutes that I was watching a truly amazing event of unplanned, human cooperation. Riders of all sizes, shapes and ages were riding scooters, bikes, skateboards and roller blades in every conceivable direction, jumping, turning, and rolling at variable speeds without crashing, swearing, making unkind gestures or crude remarks at each other.

This harmony could never have been orchestrated with stop lights, round a bouts, speed bumps or speed limits. Not one rider was smoking, eating, texting or talking on the phone while rolling. And many riders were wearing their required helmet.

Too bad that smokers consider the landscaping, parking lot and surrounding trails and wooded area their personal ash tray. Disgusting cigarette butts surround the track. I am willing to pick up some trash, but that’s as far as my goodwill goes.

Too bad discourteous smokers control an otherwise delightfulenvironment. The skate park is a stage for goodwill in our community. So soon it is being visually destroyed by thoughtless smokers.

Take a look at what can we do?

Sharon Demianiw | Port Orchard