SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Speak Up

On Smoking in the Urbana Park:

The last time I took kids to the playground at Veterans Park the ground was covered with cigarette butts and several people were smoking in the area. I think the city dump would be about as healthy a place as this. At most public places in Clark County, children and nonsmokers are forced to inhale carthegenic toxic smoke, whether it is in the parks or the entrance to the public library.

Being a former smoker of 35

years, I can relate to the people who do not like to be around smoke. I can also relate to the people who still smoke. I see no reason why someone can't go a short time without lighting up to watch a child's sport or a concert. If one really can't go more than a few minutes without a smoke, then it is time they give it up. They don't call them coffin nails for nothing.

No smoking: I think it is a

wonderful idea. I came across it yesterday at my son's baseball practice. There should be a designated area for smoking so Springfield should consider it too.

Smoking: First let it be known I am a nonsmoker. Second, the park belongs to everyone, the smokers and nonsmokers. Create an area at one end of the bleachers for the smokers and one for the nonsmokers. If the nonsmokers cannot live with that then they should stay home.