Opinion : Why Vinton should have tobacco-free parks

By Shania Heckmann, VSHS Reality Check

I am writing this to inform you that I believe Vinton and the surrounding areas should have tobacco free parks. There are many reasons behind me saying that as well. Think about the health of the people that are smoking in the first place, but then think about who else would be at a park. Kids! Babies and plenty of kids should not be taking in the smoke and chemicals that are blown out form the smoker’s breath.

It disturbs me to see a lot of cigarette butts at and around city parks. Do people not think that there are little kids who go around picking up things they find on the ground? Some kids are still at the age of picking things up and putting the things in their mouths. I would, as most people would, appreciate all city parks in Vinton and surrounding areas to have an ordinance against tobacco use in parks.

I have personally seen a little girl at the Shellsburg City Park pick up a cigarette butt. I felt absolutely disgusted with people who would do that, when there is a trash can not even 4 feet away from where she picked it up from.

I really would appreciate it if the towns all around us placed a law for tobacco free parks. It would make all of our lives easier and better.