Kensington's Park Predicament

what meatless monday they shouldnt do that becuse some infants might be elirgik to some vegetables. so they shall for get about meatless monday and should just give them protien

In a way, I understand why they won't let them. I think they did this to deal with frustration between the different ages.

Well i think thats not fair! im 13 and i still love to go to the park, its a fun place to hang out and just relax and play some old kid games like wood-chips or any variation of that. Now i do see how this could be a problem because some kids like to just use up the swings and take up the playground and not let the little kids play. I think that if u are older than 5 and u r just being rude and not letting the little kids play then yes, u should be allowed or just tell them(the older kids) to move of course. But not allowing everone, that is just insane! i love the park and i will fight to be able to hang out at it!!!!! GC!

I think it is just a way for parents to keep their kids under control. They would be home for dinner, there for breakfast, and there is a lower chance of someone getting kidnapped at night when nobody is whatching.

I think it's unfair that children over 5 can't go on the park. Only one or two of them did something wrong, why blame them all?

I think it's unfair people over 5 can't go on the park; only one or two of them did something wrong, why blame them all?

Why can't people use a PUBLIC park. Its not right.

the park is public property so some rules would be undersatndable such as a curfew ,but an age limit isn't that age discrimination? I think a more effective fix might be installing camras so individuals could be punished instead of an entire community

In Russia parks and play-grounds are open for everyone.
This problem seams silly and children under 5 will grow up one day and they will be in the same shoes as the girls on video.

I think it's plain wrong that people have to 'pay' to play in the park. It is a public park and I think, or i thought in the past that public parks should be opened to the public. Although the one that said the school should pay to play said the students from the school harm the children under age 5, I think if the parents go to the park with the under age 5 children this could be sorted out. So I agree with the school and the parents, you call it the public park-and why shouldn't the student from the school go and play in the public park? Also it is unfair that they have o walk all the way to the other (public) park.

I don't understand why they ban children from the park. Or they shouldn't have made it.

It just doesn't make sense. I always enjoyed playing parks with friends untill i was an early teen, and even now i find it a good place to hang out at. What are they going to do? Arrest the 9 year olds for "tresspassing" or "unruly conduct"? Give me a break town council. The pubic parks are for everyone, and if they have a problem with that, they can biuld there own park.

I think the kid sat brook wood should be able to go to the park, unless the park owners are keeping a secret from us.

I don't see why they passed this law. There aren't many toddlers playing in the first place and kids won't ever break things purposefully, only by accident when playing. The park is for recreation and resting. It is for everyone's use. It should be always full of life. I don't think the law has any legitimacy.

me and my mom both think that it is stupid that they have to pay $2,000 doller just to play at the park betwen 9 and 4 o'clock

They need to give them ther privligis back so they can have fun when they are bord out of ther minds

If the park does not have a locked fence around it the park should NOT limit its use.

I think that it is really stupid that the city would ban kids from a public park. They are kids just like the toddlers that just want to have fun. How could they be hurting trees? They are just little kids!

oh wow. i am not suprised they did that. soon that will be happening all over the place. obama would say oh a way to get money and then every time you go to the park you have to pay. i feel bad for the girls. they were using the park and some toodlers got scared? toodlers are scared of every thing

I think it is unbelievable that they shut down the park. I don't think it is legitimate because moms refused interviews and littering was not just children.

i think that any kid thhat wants to use the park should get to use the park, WHEN THEY WANT TO USE THE PARK!

I think it is the dumbest idea on the face of the planet and the school should sue the park.

My class watched your segment on Kensington Park and were upset because they feel that if public money is being used, then the park should be open to everyone. If there is vandalism in the park have the police force or have camera keep an eye on the park. Most parks in are area are NON-SMOKING. Lets take care of our student not punish the masses for the few.

I think that the kids should be able to play at the park for free. I also believe that it is just plain STUPID to not let kids older than 5 play at the park. Its called a public park for a reason!!!

I think it is wrong to ban these kids from the playground because it is a "public" playground, not a "private" playground.

I think it is unbelievable that children older than five can't use the playground between 9 and 4. I think that the children where trying to PREVENT the littering, not cause it, and also they most likely wouldn't trample or run over the toddlers on the Public Playground because just knowing of trampling a harmless toddler would be sad.

I think the kids should get there park back!!!!!. The whole thing is RETARDED Who cares if the older kids were messing with the little kids its not like there were fist fights. Its a PUBLIC PARK for crying out loud, every kid should be able to play at recess. The littering probably istn't from the kids anyway its probably from the STUPID adults. IF THE POOR LITTLE GIRLS WANT TO PLAY AT THE PARK THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO. STUPID CITY HALL DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. A COMMUNITY PARK SHOULD BE OPEN TO EVERYONE. I THINK IT WAS A GREAT IDEA CAUSE NOW NO ONE IS GOING TO THE PARK. YOU HAPPY NOW!?!?!?!?!

This is RIDICULOUS!!!!!! Anybody should be able to use a PUBLIC park!!!!! And those school-girls are only about 8-10. They seem like responsible and caring young girls. I don't think that they would do any of the things those parents claim to have seen them do. The school-girls even said that they picked up litter and stayed well out of the little children's way. They are harmless little girls, not axe murderers!!!
Treat them with the respect that they deserve!!!

My opinion goes with the one before me. WHATS WRONG WITH PLAYING CHILDREN? All they want to do is play, and yet the town won't let them. ITS INSANITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Public park. it means its public. Not Private, public. Public means its open to everyone, not limited. However there should be some rules about damaging trees if they girls were even doing that along with messing with little kids. I no matter what think that if it says it is a public park it should be open to everyone. :)

wow, im so spurisied that they would be so selfish there just kids wat are they going to do in a park.

I think that Kensington went about this issue all wrong. Instead of just baning the kids from using the park, they should have talked to the student. Maybe if the mayor came and talked to the students (Like in an assembly) about their behavior, the students would have changed their actions at the play ground. Also the mayor, as a sorry gift, could've had the students clean up the park.

This is insane! They are kids who want to have fun and enjoy their life, and those people shouldn't be ruining it. Those kids need to have fun while they can and while they are kids.

i think that they should get rid of the rule because its not fair to the girls that want to play there. they say that they are leaving trash there and the girls are about 12 years old. i dont really think they would be smoking. so i think they should get rid of thr rule and the girls most likley arent the only ones leaving the trash.

Fighting over a PUBLIC park. Wow...they should know that kids over five like to play too. But then again...if people were being mean to the little kids then okay, I guess it is a good rule. But other than that the people who closed the park to kids older than five should think of everyone.

I think that it's totally unfair that the county is banning kids above age of 5 from the park. First of all, to just exclude the six and seven year olds is completely ridiculous. They're just as young and entergetic as 5 year olds, and they want to play too. Second of all, just because you see litter doesn't mean it's the kids above 5 playing in the park. A juice box could be on the floor because of a 5 year old!! Just like on of the girls said, she saw cigerettes on the floor....they don't smoke! This is a totaly outrage and needs to be protested immediatly!

I think that if they do not get the right to play in the park again the county should at least give them one day a week that it should be reserved for school age girls.

that is not fair at all! I can understand to ban them for like a week if they are destroying the park, but are they really? And it is a public park, so the girls should be able to use it. Ofcorse children the age of like 13 might break things but 5??? is that really the age limit, im sure a swing could hold a seven or eight year old. But the thing is that i really dont understand is the students go to the playground for reces right?? than why doesnt the school have a playground of their own?!?!?!? That would solve the preoblem!

I think that its wrong to ban people from a public park. If they take away things like that, which are good for kids to have because its a great way for them to have fun, then thats discouraging kids from getting out and being active which is totally not cool in the least.

I don't think that it is fair that the school girls can't play in the park.If you look at the park without the girls it's empty.That just means that it will take more taxpayers money to clean it up when no kids are even playing in it.

Well, first of all, it's a Public Park. In the girl's point of view they probably were doing nothing wrong, at least the younger girls. They said this school was K-12. Some of the high schoolers might have been messing around. If high schoolers are the problem, leave out the high schoolers. Or at least make the age limit higher. Make it a maximum of 12 years old. If it's that small of a town they probably don't have a lot of 5 and under ages. They should make it just a little bigger. The complaining moms need to be more specific on exactly what they find wrong with the park. They "littered". Wonderful. I bet those parents might have too. They "intimidated" the younger children. Have a different section for littler kids. A lot of parks do that. They "break the swings". If the swings are older, then yes, swings BREAK. A lot of things in life BREAK. Kids wouldn't break swings on purpose, especially if THEY have to use it too.

I think that the kids shoud be aloud to go to the park all day because they can get exersice and play with their friends without being inside all day. This is why I think they should be aloud to go to the park whenever they want to as long as they are accoupined by an adult.

Personally, I dont think that it's fair for the school girls not to be able to play in the park. They are still young, and they want to play in the park. It doesn't necessarily mean that they want to go there for the wrong reasons.

I don't think they should be able to ban kids from a public park. It should be made there for the whole town to enjoy, especially since its almost empty now without the other kids.

Personally, I don't find it fair that the school girls cannot go to the park. They are still young, and they like to play in the park. It doesn't mean that its for the wrong reasons

I think the rule should be kept in place because those girls are not telling the truth and they should be kept away from the park until they learn the lesson of showing respect for public facilities and others, especially tollders.

I think that they should let children older than five at the park because it's not fair if noone else is aloud to use.

i think that if your parents are paying taxes to fund the park and keep it open and running then you sholud be able to use and be on parkgrounds when you want to.

Carl, it would not be a good idea to get children banned from the park. They would not be able to play.

I think that the best solution to the problem would be to allow the school to use the park with the understanding that if anything is broken during the time that they are there they are to pay for it. A video camera could be installed to monitor this. The school could also build it's own park.

i think that's really sad. i mean it's their fault ciggarrets are always on the floor! and i think it's dangerous for the kids to be picking them. what if an adult was so unresponsible about his actions he was sick when he smoked in the park and if the kids pick that up they might get sick too! so i think they should NOT put keep that rule in its place. i think they should make in agreement like the girls clean the park every friday and he mayor lets them use the park in return

I think this isn't a very good idea because the moms probably don't have their facts right and that there are a lot of teenagers and preteens that like to play at parks too.

I think that the school should definately be able to use the public park. If they have always used that park they shoud be able to keep it. Also they were picking up the litter not throwing it! If the parents have problems with the girls scaring the little kids than they should leave or try to fix the problems themselves. That is crazy!!

I think that they should let everyone use the park. After all it is a PUBLIC park. If I had a problem in my neighborhood like this, I would want to change it. The complaints are probably just from mothers who want their kids to have space. If that is the problem then have the kids play on one side of the park, and the older children play on the other.

Students in my class in MN just watched this story and they think there are several things that need to be addressed.

1) Evidence. What did the mothers have as evidence of the abuse of the park?

2) Time. How much during the day did the moms think they needed at the park?

3) Public. The Headmaster should not have to spend ANY money to have his students play at the park.

MR. (a middle school teacher in MN)

I think that any kids should be aloud to play at the park I don't think those girls would of done anything to the park because they love going there everyday to play.

I THINK THAT NOT RIGHT TO BAND KIDS FOR THE PARK BECAUSE THEY SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO PLAY WHERE THEY WANT, THEY ARE KIDS AND THEY SHOULDNT HAVE TO WORRIE ABOUT OTHER THINGS IN THEIR LIVES

They should let the kids be able to play at the park. Kids are kids they play. I think all that needs to happen is to tell the kids to clean up their mess after words and not to bother the people visiting the park.

I think kids of all ages should be able to have fun and be with friends. Having a park you can't us stinks because that's how we grow and learn. So i say give it back to the kids of this town in Maryland. What do you think parents are saying to the state and to there kids and friends.

I think it's a bad idea. Everyone should be allowed to play in the park. Just because some parents think there kids are being overwhelmed by older kids doesn't mean they are.

i think they shouldn't ban it just because of the older kids. Why would the younger kids even smoke? Adults or kids can't even step a foot on the property. There is no sense in even banning it.

I think that the parks are for all children to use, if one group of students causes trouble dont punish them all.

I don't think that they should close the park just because of broken trees, money, and toddlers. Because it's public. And the citizens can replant the trees, and they can pay a little more money,too.
I sould have been very angry if our park was closed.

I think it is unfair that all children above the age of five are being punished. Therfore they should remove the ban and let all ages play in the park.

It's a public park! If they restrict the people who can go on it, then it's not a public park anymore. It's a private park. Plus, it looked like there weren't any toddlers on the park anyway. I think they should just tell the girls to be nice to the kids, and let them play.

We think that parks should be used by children and age limits are not needed. If it is a school group they should be supervised.

We feel strongly that if city government takes away parks what else are they going to take away from us....libraries?

What about the other park? Will that be off limits too?
Aren't we supposed to encourage exercise and physical activity?

We suggest the city officials focus on not limiting students' activities, but providing more opportunites instead of less.

The park belongs to the citizens of the town, not the City Council! How can they charge to use the park when it is already paid for by the taxpayers? This is a powerplay by local government that should not stand.

I Hannah think that They should make parks for little kids on one side and on the other side make it for big kids.

i think that it is unfair to shut the park down and that is a park for EVERYONE TO PLAY AT and i would hate if shut down the only park down i would have nothing to do they should open the park back up

I think this is so ridiculous. The middle school kids should be able to play in the park during recess at least. There innocent little girls who even helped pick up trash.

it is stupid that the kensington is doing this the fact is that they dont know if the older kids are the problem it might be parents then to make them pay just to use the park is unbeliveable that they would try to to that and for 2000 dollers are you kidding it is a school not a buisness

This is crazy, our town would have a heart attack if that happened to us. It is a public park why would you want to ban people from it. It just looks bad on their part. They should their ways or nobody is going to like them.

Public park means welcome to everyone. Its discrimination to not allow kids because of there age groups. Instead of parents causing problems they should worry about them selfs maybe go to a different park instead of filing complaints to shut it down and messing it up for all the kids that enjoy to play there.

i think they should let them in the park

This is completely blown out of control and going way to far. Children have every right to play on a playground, that is why it is made. You are telling students that they can't have their fun. They've earned it. If you didn't want children their between certain hours than you should have never built that park. Your taking a kids enjoyment away, Theirs smiles, and excitement away. What is happening is wrong, ignorant, and intolerable. I don't agree with it all the way.

That is so wrong. A public park should be open to the PUBLIC!

We think that older kids be able to play there because it's a public park and the tax payers fund the park. The council has no material evidence that the damage at the park was caused by the school children. We think that the parents from the school should start a petition to give to the council. There must be more parents at the school than mothers with toddlers!

Peace!

yes its public property and every one is alowed to use

I hate this why why why!!!!!

i think that the kids should play at the park because they need somewhere to play and the kids are just soo cute!!

They should take that rule out because alot kids arrent allowed to play at their own park.

I think that the girls should be aloud to be able to play in the park when they want to because if they say that they didn't do what the parents say they did then just let them!

I think they should have a schedule for the day. When the girls have recess they should be able to go there with no small children and when the girls are in school, anyone can go.

Why can't the school just build their own playground? That way the school would have to pay if damages were made by the students.

kids should be with there parents at all times and i think the she never leave the parent and if they wanted to go play on the playground then would have to ask to go on the play ground and the has to be with the kids.

I for one think that the kids should have there park back because whats the use for a public park if your cutting most of everyone of from it?I really hope these people debat good about this. Its just not right of them to cut all those girls and all those children from the use of there beloved park. I mean what about the kids that didn't do anything? Why are they banned? They didn't do anything wrong. They shouldn't have made a decision like that without confronting everyonin Kensington Maryland.I think they should confront eyeryone and get a vote before they make there final decision.
Thank you for listening,
Meg

P.S. I watch cnn student news all the time, Keep up the good work!

It's wrong that the other kids cannot play on the struchture and is partly unsafe because of how far they have to walk to the next park.i think its wrong because it is unsafe cause the kids can get hit by a car. Sure you have the right to keep them away but it's 'wrong.

We think they should be able to play at the park because it is a public park and it allows the kids to be physically active.

I'm amazed they did that! That is not fair! I thought its a free country!!!

I think that the kids deserve to be able to play in a public park, and not have to walk 5 blocks to another one. Its just not fair to the kids.

The city does not have the right to keep the "public" out of a public park. The students of the school live in the city and thier parents pay taxes to maintain the park so why should the kids not have the right to use it.

i think it is stupid to have to pay for a park! rediculous! thses children should be able to have the use of the park!

I think that is is very unfare that the mayor does not allow children over 5 to go on the park. Do they have proof other than the letter from the parents to prove that breaking swings, littering, and overwhelming toddlers. DId they go to the parents or did they deny to talk to them. Like the children said they picked up trash and found cigarettes. It is very prejudiced.

If its a public park what gives the city the right to only let young children play there when the students did not destroy the park but they were cleaning it up. If only certain people can go to the park the city should put something else in there so everyone can use it.

I think the girls Definitely should have the right to play at The public park. Why should they have to walk five blocks to go to a "public" park.
I mean isn't that why they call it public?

To charge to play in a public park is preposterous. Public means for everyone so you should not have to pay to play.

i think that it is just horrible. The township is going to make them walk to a park that is further away from there school, then to just walk across the street to have reccess.

if the mothers who take there children to that PUBLIC park are upset because there kids get to wild after playing there then they should just take them home because they are the ones making them little children walk far from the school and the township is listening and concerened about the mothers of the toddlers but what about the 12 year olds at any moment they could get hurt by a car and things like that

i think the township should care about the safty of the school children then the complaining mothers of the neighborhood.

If students are going to be at the park for recess they should have at least some adult supervision with them so that they will be safe at all times with no child left behind.

It's not fair the students should be able to enjoy themselves while they are at school.

We are outraged! We do not agree with this issue because all children should be able to share in the public park facilities!

The entire story is ridiculous. A nonprofit school should be able to use public facilities without worry of legal action. Parents with young children should use the park that the students have been forced to walk to. The town should realize that with budget cuts a nonprofit school cannot afford to build a new playground specifically for them. There needs to be a compromise.

I think that the school should build a smaller park next door for the little kids to use when the school children are there. The school should also help maintain both parks by planting flowers, keeping them clean, etc. in order to have a learning experience from the park.

i think that so stupid kids have to pay to play it doesn`t make any sense

I think its rediculous. If it is a public park that means public! They should not put such harsh restrictions on it. Especially for school recess!

I think the school should be allowed to use the park for free. It is a public facility and putting restrictions on an age to be allowed to use the park is discrimination.

Why is it called a PUBLIC park if children are going to be restricted from going? We feel that it is unfair that because of certain people, other people are unable to enjoy the park.
Some suggestions that our class has are:
-Schedule the times in which different age groups can use the park
-Section off the park so that everyone can play.
-keep it PUBLIC

I don't think banning children over the age of 5 at a playground is the right way to ensure that toddlers can enjoy a park, too. I think they should make two separate areas in the same park with age group activities.

I believe that everyone should be able to play at that park because it is a public park.

i think that kids of all ages should be able to go the park. I don't see what the problem is with kids older than five going to parks, because they are still kids and they should be able to go to the parks and have fun too, lots of kids that are five still enjoy going to parks and should be able to, towns shouldnt be able to say they can't go anymore.

I think its a good idea. If people are abusing parks. Take it away, and let them be grateful that they even have a park.

I think that the parks should be public to everyone. No matter what happened they should let every age and every type of person allowed. If you are an adult, you need a child with you.

i think that everybody should be able to use the park the age shouldnt matter all kids should be able to use it all there parents pay taxes which support the park not just the ones of kids under 5

i think its wrong just to ban kids to go to the park. Its not fair for anyone. I think they should just make another kid friendly park for younger kids. That way everyone can play at the park! its not fair for anyone!

There's a difference between patrolling a park to keep it safe, and denying certain groups a right. It's a park meaning all ages are allowed to go on it. There is going to be a huge deal when a bunch of older children come because thats their recess. That's when as a mother you pan out your day to be whether you want your kids to be playing with other children which will help with communication skills or you go before or after they show up. I'm mad at the mothers because it might be alright now that their kids are young, but what about when they are older. They might change their minds on that.

that is just crazy. when did public become privite? or did someone just forget to tell me they changed it? Also do these mothers even have PROOF that the girls did what they said they did? other wise the kids should still be aloud to go. And until they do the girls should be aloud to go and play on a PUBLIC park.

That's really not fair to anyone who can't use the park. It's PUBLIC and our taxes pay for public parks. Those mothers complained that kids ruin their time at the park but now that the kids aren't there neither are those mothers!! Why complain about something and then not even use it? What happen to "kids will be kids"?

I think the middle school girls should be able to have recess at the park across the street. The girls should help take care of the park, pick up litter, and maybe plant flowers.

I think it's a bit unfair they're taking away the playground. Kids who aren't doing anything wrong while there shouldn't be punished for things other kids are doing wrong. But of course, that's life, and this generation isn't the nicest one, in fact in my opinion, it's the meanest. So I don't see any problems with it but I'm not for this rule either.

I think this is the dumbest thing ever! It is a PUBLIC park, therefore, the public is entitled to the use and enjoyment of the park! Paying $2000 for your school to use it is ridiculous! Taxes are what pay for the parks! Why should the school have to pay additionally for it?

that was not the smartest move on the parents part. If you are going to make age restrictions, then you should make the limit 10. If the parents feel that the kids are being pushed around then they should not go to the park during the recess time for the school. those parents should find another park to take there kids to if they are so botherd.

I see a problem with it because that is not fair to the little kids of america

Thats stupid, its a park for goodness sake! kids play at parks. its what they do. if some people don't like it, then go somewhere else.

I dont think its fair because its a public park

no cause it is not fair because there just little kids and they need there on time

Your kidding...a PUBLIC park is being RULED by POLITICIANS to control things to there likings? I can understand no one over 18 allowed, but these are children, and thats what parks are for. As Tom Petty would say, "Don't do me like that!".GO CHARGERS!

i think that everyone is aloud to go the park and i think that the rules are dumb because little kids want to have fun and they should be aloud to ru around and swing instead of do nothing else.

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT BECAUSE IT ISNT FAIR TO THE OTHER KIDS THAT WANT TO PLAY CANT PLAY IF IT WAS THAT CASE WHY DIDN'T THEY BAND THE PARENTS AND THEIR FIVE YEAR OLDS THEIR THE ONE THAT THROW THE SMOKES DOWN THAT RULE SHOULD BE CHANGED IT'S CALLED A PUBLIC PARK FOR A REASON OTHER THAN THAT MAKE IT PRIVATE PROPERTY OR CLOSE THE PARK DOWN

I really don't have a side on this. If the older kids are really messing up the park they shouldn't be allowed and if thats not the case then they should.

I think the girls should be allowed to be able to play across the street at the park, our school goes across the street

I think that the girls should be allowed to go to the park. But I think that they should be more careful of other people and the things that do not belong to themselves. Save mother Earth so pick up your trash!

I THINK THAT THE PARK IDEA IS DUMB
we use the park across the street and there is litter but they dont blame us ITS STUPID I think the little kids have the right to use the park but the older kids do to. i think the school should deal with their kids making mistakes, maybe a whole school assembly or something the goverment shouldent get involed exept for telling the school to teel the kids

i do not agree with the park being closed for children over 5. i think that the school should talk to the kids and have consequences for misbehavior and such instead of the city closing it down for them.

I think they should let them use the park. I think if they don't litter or if they arn't mean to the little kids any more, they should be allowed at the park. At our school we share the park with little kids and as long as we don't harm them, we get to use the park too. I would hate it if we had to walk all that way to a different park.

The city should let the tax payers use the park. The girls said that they found cigarettes. If the moms left the cigarettes, then they should not judge the girls for "littering". The litter could have come from anyone. Even the wind. The city should let the girls play. Majority rules in a democracy. It is America, we have rights. Kids can play in parks.

I think the situation is ridicuolus. Recess is usually only a few minutes long so the parents complaint is empty. Besides I doubt the kids would damage the park anyway. The students should have a right to play without pay. I worked in a ryhme just like Carl!

this is ridiculios!!!!! If the moms didn't want to be interviewed, then they are liers. Let the girls back in. Why don't you build a 5 and under play park. This is beyond terrible. That councilman is greedy,greedy,greedy. I hope he reads this. He is a liar and he should be ashamed of it.

Why can't a town just have an open park for the community? Why go through the trouble? i don't get this issue.

I think kids over the age of five should not have to pay to use public parks beacause kids need their physical activty constently.If your not able to have a walking distence to the next park your not going to be able to exersise that often.

That is pretty messed up. Everybody should be able to play on the playground. If the government won't let everyone play The government should put a club together for the older kids. From personal experiance kids with time on there hands get into trouble...

I think it makes no sense to make the school pay a fee to let the students play on the playground.

thats not rite at all. y do that to them poor kids? they need some where to play to!!! thats really messed up!

This rule is the most weirdest I've heard of. Adults who do this also complain about their neighbor's window being closed.

no because a park is for every one not just five year old and they should have the right to go to the park if it is a public park

So, a couple of moms, who probably don't visit the park every day, had a problem because a non-profit school's children were being... kids? On a playground? Huh.

I feel that the ban layed down by the Kensington officials is a rather inefficient way of handling the situation. Perhaps asking the school to have the students clean up, or plant flowers/trees, or something similar, would be better. I'm sure the girls would jump at the chance to make the park look better.

Placing a $4,000 fine for use? Far too extreme to even really be considered a viable option.

I dont think making the park off limits from 9 to 4 solves the vandalism and littering, I think it would make things worse and the kids that liked going there would rebel and break more things.

I think that if the town wants to do it, go ahead it's their park.

I think the girls of the area should be able to use the park. After all they couldn't do that...

I personaly think that who every wants to go to the park either 5 of 50 I dont think it is fair to band a public park i think it is just wrong.

I think the girls of the school acrossed the way should get to go back on the park, because it's a PUBLIC park. Even if the girls were breaking the swings and making little kids feel intimidated, the mom can check when the school doesn't have recess. I think the Girls should play. It's sounds kind of funny, There banned from a PUBLIC park!!!!!!!!!!!

A park is a public good. Since the park is paid for by the tax payers, nobody should be excluded from using the park!

If it is a public park, it should be open to ALL of the public. Also, don't you think it is a little unfair that the school would have to pay to use a playground when other groups do not?

I think that the school shouldn't have recces at a public park, but the action taken to ban anyone under 5 from it is just rediculus.

The town built that park, but they built it for the public. I do not think it is fair to take away kids rights to play on a public playground. I mean, maybe older kids, ages 12 and up should not be able to play from 9-4. Except for the elementary school girls. They should be able to play anytime they want during school hours. Maybe the town should rethink their playground policies.

This is ridiculous. Why have a park if you can't use it? It's like when your mom doesn't let you use the couch in the living room, or how you never use fine china to eat on. Wasteful.

I think that banning kids from a PUBLIC playground is wrong. What if a mom has a child whose three and one thats six? It's not fair.

It's wrong for them to have to pay. It's a PUBLIC park isn't it? Then shouldn't the public be allowed to use it?

I think this is wrong, for kids to be baned from a local park im a kid 12 years old and that is wrong the mothers who complained about the girls litering, treating the little kids bad, and treat the trees bad why didn't they go and say the reasons why themseves, because they now it is not true what they say the a mayor or whatever he is (im sorry for my language but) dumb it isn't right it's called a public park not a privet park.

I think that there is no good reason to ban them from the park, nor close it down. Just because a few people were accused for something doesn't mean the whole community has to be punished.

Well, I think that is it very silly to not be able to use public property. If the city wants to keep the playground from getting "destroyed" then they can put up cameras or something.

I think that they should be able to play at a public park and no they can't ban these girrls from this park they have no right and the mothers lieded they didn't litter they can't harm unless they are throwing things at it and it is just plain stuped that there doing this. and 4000 dallors have they lost their mind?! They think ther are children getting hurt here I say look at the girls you banned from
the park! Thesegirls are heart broken they have done nothing wrong and the mothers who did this I hope your happy!!!

The girls not having the Privilege of going to the park across the street is wrong. First of all, the Park is a public park which means that everyone can use it. Also, if the mothers of the toddlers think that the girls are bothering their children, then they should talk to the school and the city about getting an adult superviser in the park during the girls recess, such as a teacher of a police man.

i think that is stupid all kids should have a rigt to play there . there could be a cop there thats what they are paied for if the kids get voiline the cop can sliply ask them to leave the park and not come back. I think it is stupid that the close a park because there were so called volince just because mothers though kids were to old to go there and were just playing around the parents sholud wathch there kids better and not blame it on kids who did not do anything.

It's a public park, so what good is it if the majority of the public can't use it? I don't think it's a good idea to restrict kids older than five access to the park just because parents are being immature about how they act.

Every kid has the right on that playground. If the mothers are so complaining, what would they do when their little kids grow up and wants to play on the playground and can't play because its forbidden?
This is not a good idea to forbid kids who are older than 5 not to play on the playground. IT IS NOT FAIR! Carl what would you do if your child was older than 5 and can't play.

That's so unfair!
All kids should have the right to play in a PUBLIC (hence the PUBLIC) park, not just kids 5 and under. I wouldn't be surprised if I didn't find one person in that park.

I think it's wrong that they won't let the girls from that school play in the park. It's just not right.

I see problems. Because kid's didn't do anything with it. Can you imagine kid are smoking throw away trash everywhere? I don't think so. I disagree with it.

hi im ben and i just dont think its fair for the kids at the school to not get to play at the park. especially when nobody is there most of the day. we need to stand up for what we believe in. why dont just some teachers go to the park with the students to watch them.

I think they should deserve to play at the park! I think all children should have a chance to play on that playground, it looks really fun!!!

well, their under 5 so they should be able to play and not pay since it is a public playground and they do volenteer to pick up trash around the park like cigerett buds and that is plane nasty too but no they shouldnt have to pay and the playground remains empty anyways

i think it is so unfair that all of the town cant use that park on less you are a sertion age and if you are a adult you cant step foot in the park unless you have your kid with you that is soooooooo not fair!

I know it sounds harsh, but why would adults be so idiotic as to leave a park–Built for CHILDREN–Go unused by girls at a school just because they are older than the age of 5? It seems that the City wants the park to be a nice thing to look at, rather than a place for kids to go and play. Politicians complain about how kids have no where to go after school, so they get in trouble and delinquency percents rise, yet they take away the only common sense places for children to go.

I think this is horrible in many ways because kids deserve to have the right to play and by doing this they are taking aways from there kids and all the others that is wrong

I think that the government shouldn't ban the students because they didn't even get a warning. Plus, maybe the moms and their 5-year-olds can go to another park to play.

I think what Kensington did is so wrong! Did the parents see the kids doing that stuff? probably not. i think the parents are just grumpy aboout all the kids on the playground. The only people i know who would do that stuff is some teenagers who are not the nicest people around. In my playground there are alot of inappropriate writing on the playsets, done by teenagers.

Why would you band a public park? Thats like banning a public bathroom. You just don't do that to your community. A community is supposed to make things work for everyone.

What are kids suppost to do during recess stay inside? I think they should not make them pay for going on the park cause they need some exercise to stay healthy and thats why they made parks thats all I have to say about that.

What happen to it being a free country theese days?

I think the town shouldn't be taking away little girls play time, it's rude and selfish.

The park is public, therefore it should be able to be used by everyone. If the children claim that they did not damage the park, then it sounds like the city is giving in to overprotective mothers.

I think that banning a public park makes no sense. First of all, if you're gonna ban a park then why call it PUBLIC in the fist place. Also i know kids who are as young as six and they have no idea what to do at a park by themselves. Imagine how much worse it would be to have a bunch of 5 year olds playing together at the park with out older kids??

I see a problem with it those kids just go there to have fun.I thank it is wrong to take it away from them.They souldn't have to go down the road to play.It's not like they were hurting any one.I thank they sould get there park back.

I think that is not right because for the school girls where are they suppose to play now? I think the school should fight for the right to let the girls play on it.

i do see a problem i think kids should go to the park and stay there for however long they want to.

I dont think that its really nessesary to close the whole park. why dont you just keep an eye on everyone that goes to the park and kick out the people that abuse it? That seems like a better solution.

there is one thing good about this no kid napper can take kids but every kid should be a loud to play because we put our tax money in the public parks.

I think it's wrong. I mean their only children for crying out loud. I mean if they see trash most likey they would pick it up but if it's ciggaretts i mean that can't come from them because their underage. Yes, I understand that it public park and its operated and owned but you just can't kick kids out of a park. Do you really want your kids to walk a block to get to another park where they are not banned? I mean think about it.

I do not think that the children should be banned from a pubic park. This is a free country isn't it?

I think Kensington rule has some problems. Park is for public. Everyone has a right to enjoy it. So mayor can't make children to not play in the park. If children really does harm the park than school can supervise those children.

i really think thats a bunch of crap! there kids let them be kids!! god i hate people like tht!!!

I just think it's mean how can they do that to the older kid just becuse we are older than the 5 and under desn't mean we don't have the right to play.

I think the girls from that school should be allowed to play in that park as long as they don't damage it. If they damage it, then the people responsible should be kicked out of the park, not the whole school.

I don't think they should stop the girls from using the park. After all, if there were cigarettes there then they're not the ones littering. The mothers of the toddlers are just as or maybe more guilty than the girls.

Unless the students are causing damage or harming the toddlers, I think that they should be able to use the park. It is a public park, and it was made for everyone to enjoy it.

i dont think it is fair that only kids under 5 can go to the park who wants to be at the park all by them selvs and no kids to play with and every person even if it is a kid should have a write to go to a park and have fun the park was origonaly for the coumminty but now it is not

No way! They don't have proof that we did that!
And, There are some kind of kids that-aged-older-then-10-years
Don't litter!(I mean use playground clean!)
It's not fare I think.

I think that the rules should stand because the law is the law and you cant change that unless you’re the part of the law.

I think they should change the rule. Maybe a poll could be taken by the citizens that live near this park, and see what they think about it.

I dont think it's fair that only the kids under five can go to the park. And plus it's a public park so everyone should be allowed to do what they want at the park.

I don't think they should abn it because all the little kids wouldn't have anywhere else to play. And they shouldn't just ban it because of older kids going to the park.

i dont think public park banning is fair. if your going to bann people from the park it should't be called a public park in the first place. all children should be aloud to use the public park .

I think that they have the right to ban the park just as much as I have the right to breathe. They can do whatever they want.

I think that they have the right to ban the park as mush as I have the right to breathe. They can do whatever they want. HOWEVER. If we are talking about behavior, that is very rude. It's like a little kid with a toy. He can be as selfish as he wants. It's his toy. But eventually he has to learn to share.

i dont think they should close the park because people love to play in the park. Just keep an eye on the park and see who abuse it and kick them out?

I think that the park should be for everone. If one of the older kids makes a mistake then you should punish him or her, not all the kids older five years old

I think they should get rid of the rule because you should be aloud to play on a park at any time

I think the girls should have a right to play in there! It's a public park anyway. The city council and mayor are acting like they have control over the whole city! The girls should bring the case to court.

I found myself wondering why, kids should eat meat on Monday.I say that we should either eat meat on Monday, because meat is very good for you and it's also a vegatable and it'sgreat way for your bones . Being a vegatarian but i think eating vegatable is too much.It's kind of cool but some kids don't like eating vegatable,but it's a great source for your system.

i think it's stupid why would the little kids do what the big kids do. if one little group does that don't mean everyone else does. How would you feel if someone ruined if for you put your self in their position what about the kids that are 6, or 7, or even 8 what about them they like to play to and if they have no where to play they may start playing in the street then they could get killed that would put more deaths there so they should at least raise the age limit to at least 13 that's what i think

I think that the park should be open to the school during their recess, and be closed to kids under 5, and then after the school's recess, the park should be open to kids under 5.

I don't understand why they will not let the older kids in the park.

why would they not let people older than 5 go there? it's a park for everyone! it's just not fair.I do not think they should keep that rule. they should change as soon as possible

I dont think they should have shut down the park. That was mean. =(

i agree they should stay in the park and they should let the kids play oustside not inside for recces that's not fun it's boring to stay in side and do nothing

i think that the girls should be able to use the park but they do need to follow the rules of the local park. kids all ages should be able to enjoy the fun of going to the park but still follow the rules

This is completely a loss of our rights, I believe. The kids should be able to use the park at UNLIMITED times, and it will also help the kids get better socially.

I don't see any problems with being able to go to the park. I'm older than five and I wouldn't be happy if I weren't allowed to go to the park.

Tey should most definatly keep the park. why? well imagine taking school away from us, they can t do that, so in the same way, they cant take a park, especially a public park, away from anyone.

They should most definatly keep the park. why? well imagine taking school away from us, they can t do that, so in the same way, they cant take a park, especially a public park, away from anyone.

There is this new thing called patrol. MAYBE, you could get some volunteers and have the patrol the park maybe 1 at a time. im sure they would be more than happy to help if the kids get to play. THere are alot of stay at home moms.

I think that the the park should stay open for all ages because there's no point in having a PUBLIC park if only toddlers can play in it. Besides now the park is almost always empty so they might have well just shut the park down. It can't be all the children's fault for smoking and they can plant new trees and try to help the park.

I do not think they were really causing harm but if they were they should be banned from the park

I think that the toddlers should have a specific time that they are allowed on the playground. When it is time for recess, the girls just want to play, not scare away the toddlers.

I think it is unfair that the older kids can not play on the swing sets any more they did nothing when they picked up the trash

Unless illegal situations are happening at the park, they have no right to stop older kids from going to the playground.

What about the moms who sent the quite unfair request to close down the whole park? Couldn't the moms just wait till the girls' recess is over? I mean recess is only 1/2 an hour! What is the point closing the park down because the moms can't use it now that the park is closed? Do the moms/mayor have any proof of the girls damaging or littering the trees? It's ridiculous! Some thing more ridiculous is that an adult can't even step on the property of the park without a child 5 years or younger! I mean what the heck! The mayor of Kensington is out of his mind. What the people of Kensington should do is to start boycotting things! I'm serious. If the mayor goes any further those peeps should start boycotting.

I think this is the dumbest thing ever! It is a PUBLIC park, therefore, the public is entitled to the use and enjoyment of the park! Paying $2000 for your school to use it is ridiculous! Taxes are what pay for the parks! Why should the school have to pay additionally for it? theres no good reason for why a school would have to pay for it.

I think thats just wrong to do that to the students,and public! I mean they pay taxes to the town. If they are not allowed to play there then why pay taxes.I wouldn't!. Thats just bogas! they're letting it rot. I think it's plain wrong that people have to 'pay' to play in the park. It is a public park and I think, or i thought in the past that public parks should be opened to the public. Kensington people should fight about this! They're just letting it rot and pretty soon it going to fall apart! I think they're doing this because they don't want to pay the insurance bill they want to keep it for funds!! THIS IS BOGAS I MEAN IT!

The rules that this park have are dumb. I think that anyone should be able to play at the park, and the owner shouldn't be so cruel. There is the freedom of speech and ect. Why can't that be carried out in the park rules. They should change the rules so that people of all ages are able to play on the park.

that is not right i think it is just wrong that kids 5 and under cant go to the park and play dont be rude

My description of the rule: Cruel, Unfair, Bogus, Stupid, Dumb, What else can i Say?

I think it is rediculous. How could you be so selfish and not let little kids in. It sis insane. What is the point.

i dont think that not being able to go to a park because of your age.

Well i think thats not fair! im 13 and i still love to go to the park, its a fun place to hang out and just relax and play some old kid games like wood-chips or any variation of that. Now i do see how this could be a problem because some kids like to just use up the swings and take up the playground and not let the little kids play. I think that if u are older than 5 and u r just being rude and not letting the little kids play then yes, u should be allowed or just tell them(the older kids) to move of course. But not allowing everone, that is just insane! i love the park and i will fight to be able to hang out at it!

I think they should change the rule because that is not fair for kids under 5 because they sleep till 12:00 and then they want to play.

We think that banning the park from anybody over the age of 5 is ridiculous. All kids deserve to play there,Those people are OBNOXIOUS.

The students parents pay taxes which pays for the parks so i think its ridiculous that the kids might have to pay a fine to go into the public park and they can only go in at a certain time.

I think it's a terrible idea because those girl are not doing anything. Their not littering or trying to scare and terrorize the toddlers.

This is sooooo wrong, why would you ban someone frome a PUBLIC park.

I think they should be allowed to use the park in the first place. They only use it during lunch hours.

I think they shouldn't keep the rule, because me and my family go out to the park all the time, and the rules say "all ages can attend this park." And it's not fair for the older kids, because some other teens might want to play some kind off sport and the park doesn't allow them. And if they decide to keep the rule, who knows what will happen later on?

I think this is really silly.This a public park so kids and adults can do what they want there.If it was a private park,that would be a different story.

this is a horrible rule. kids of any age should be able to go to a park.

the park is public property so some rules would be undersatndable such as a curfew ,but an age limit isn't that age discrimination? I think a more effective fix might be installing camras so individuals could be punished instead of an entire communityPost)

that is horrible. it should be any age it is so dumb.

Yes I do see a problem with this. Why won't they let people older than five go to the park? Do they think they will be to heavy? Do they think the older kids will hurt the younger kids? Well I think that it is not fair. Everyone should be aloud to go all the time.

I think its not fair. thats ridiculous because the parents pay money to the government and the community to build parks, and now their kids are not allowed in them when they want to play?. I dont understand why this rule was brought up in the first place. Im 11 and i love going to the park, espacially at like 6:00 pm to just relax and spend time with friends there. It does not make ANY sense that someone should not be allowed in a park because of their age.

We think that banning the park from anyone under 5 is rediculas. All kids desurve to play

I think it is unfair that children over five can not go on the park. Only one or two of them did something wrong, why blame them all?

It's a public park. Not allowing the majority of the public there totally defeats the purpose of the park. People litter everywhere; you can't call out a group of kids on the issue. They are only at a park for lunch anyways.

I can appreciate the parents concerns about the safety and wellfare of their small children. However, no student should be deprived of the right to go outside and play.

I think that it is not fair so they should give the older kids another chance.

What I am hearing now of the Kensinton park predicament is that kids that are older than five are no longer alowwed at the park. I think that is wrong because I still like parks and I am nine and kids need freedom and a place to go and play with there friends and family.

I think that you shouldn't build a park, waste teh cities money then take it away from the people you built it for. These kids were young and dont look like they would try to get it taken away from them. They said they loved their park and I dont think that would make them want to get it taken away

I think we should be able to play in the park because in the park we have freedom. we have the most freedom in the park becaus you can run around in do mostly what you want there. we really need the park because we play what ever we want there. If we dont have a park we would not have any where to play. that is why we need a park.

even my mama thinks thats stupid. and shes old!!! i mean really there just kids let them act like kids!!!! i think there........idiots........... thats the only nice word i can think of rite now. and i cant say wut i want to cuz i mite get in alot of troble is i said wut i really think they are!

I say that the Kensington schoolgirls should've had a stand in the decision.When I watched this section I thought that the moms were lying so they could hog the park for themselves.The girls sounded more truthful than the statement.

that is wrong to take something away from kids tht they love

I think that if you make a park and call it a Public Park that means anyone in that community should can use it. Taking it away is just taking peoples freedom away. For one the children get to go and have fun with the other kids, and second it lets the parents get some time to them selves. If they litter the place set up some signs and bring it up at the next community meeting.

I think it is wrong to deprive young girls from their very own playground. Only 5 year olds are allowed to use the park and through 9 through 5 only. I think the school should make a schedule like during school hours only the school girls can come in and then after hours its open to anyone so its a compromise.

I do not understand how children of any age can be banned from a park. Parks are meant for enjoyment and fun not for strict rules. Also isn't Kensington a public park?

that is defentaly not fair. im a teenager and i love to go to my park. if they banned me from going on the grounds, i'd have no way to get to my bus stop. that's the only way. so they could loose a paying custmor from the bus. thats bad for our school because not many people take the bus. the girls r innocent until proven guilty!!!!!!! U ROCK CNN STUDENT NEWS!!!!

I think the town should keep the rule. I think the town should do what they think is right. It may be a little different but all they are trying to do is keep the childeren safe.

I think kids should be allowed to go the park anytime they want because i like going to the park because its a good place to go and hang out with your friends i mean how would u feel if all of the ther people were allowed to be going to the park except u thats bacicly what it feels like. the park is a good place to go and just chill because other place u probably have people watching u evey minute when u r with ur friends. well heres what im saying.... keep the parks open let children go and play there anytime THEY want to so they can be active and just have fun. instead of being "locked in jail". bye!!!!

Yes, I do see a problem. what if people want to go to the park and they are older than 5? Then what? And parks are supposed to be public, not private. It is not a good idea I tell you!!

I think that kids should play in the park during daylight because who knows what can happen. It is dangerous because of a lot of cars hurrying to go home

i think the older kids that attend the school should be allowed on the play ground because it's a public park.I also think if the parents of the younger kids think that the older kids are vandilizing the park and scaring the younger kids, i think the parents should help the town raise money to build a little kids park next to the town park for there kids younger then five and fence the little park off so that the little kids have a park and the older kids can have a park.To where both the older kids and younger kids can play at the same time without bothering each other.

I think kids above 5 should be able to play at the park. Kids have their own free will to play where ever they want when ever they want.

This is wrong. I mean it's a PUBLIC playground and apparently the town of Kensington doesn't know what that means. They should let the park open to anyone. There's a park near my house that I hang out at with my neighbours and I think that we are aloud to be there. So Kensington should allow kids of all ages to hang out or play games at their PUBLIC playgrounds.

I think that Kensington should change the rule that kids older than five are no longer allowed to use a park between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m on Friday because it's a public park. So everyone should us the park fairly. I also think that parent should help the town raise money to build a park for only kids that younger then five.

I disagree with this rule. This should not be a rule at all because there are kids older than 5 that would like to use the park too. Also the time restriction is not right. If you were to have this rule they should make it a 11:00 AM through 2:00 PM because that way there is time for the younger kids, then time for the older kids afterwards. There should also be an age limit of 8, not 5.

A restriction on a public park is unfortunately ironic, seeing as its no longer public from 9am to 4pm. This restriction is a huge mistake. Parks should be open during the day, for kids and adults alike. Whether its exercise or playing on the playground, its one option to keep people active. Public parks are also good places for kids. It can keep them out of trouble and get them involved in sports and make friends.And honestly whats the point of having a park open at 4pm? By then people''s days are usually over and the park becomes pointless for younger kids. Kengsignton Park should reject this rule, n benefits can come from restriciting the hours of a public park.

I think it is the conflict between the free will of young children versus the government's right to regulate people for their own safety. In this case, I think the regulatin is TOO MUCH

public parks are for the public so why cant the children at the near by school play on it it is a retarded law and if people want to play on it why band kids over the age of 5????i have a evil stepsister two actualy that are 5 and i have to take them to the park and if that law was in the us i chouldn't take them and i whould get in trouble with my retarded stepfather.i whold protest if i was in maryland.!

They shouldn't do that. I'm older than five but still like to hang around in parks. What are the kids at the school supposed to do for recess? Just sit around their front yard? I should think not. Besides, a lot of people come after four o'clock so they miss the crowd.

I think that it's stupid that the school might have to pay $2000 for kids above 5 to play at the PUBLIC park.

It's not fair , that park is a public park and the mayor needs to do something.

I really don't think it is necessary for the park to be closed from older children. In the report they say that the park stands deserted and unplayed on. So why close the park from the most avid customers? I think they should have a certain smaller section for younger kids because what use are monkey bars if the toddlers can't use them.

i think that limiting the age groups and making the other kids feel like its their fault when its not is completely and morially wrong. they say that the kids were distribing the parents and their babies but they never gave them a second chance.

I think that the rule in the park is really stupid! It's a public park, so every one should be able to go and play in it, no matter how old you are.

I think it's unfair that children over 5 can't go on the park. Only one or two of them did something wrong, why blame them all?

I think that kids of all ages should go to the park.

Sorry but this is dumb. I think kids all ages should be able to play at the park. I still go there from time to time and its fun.

yo man alex is in da house dawg but i gotta hop soon so ima make this quick if they caint go to da park den theiy cant yo it da rules

I think that it is bad how this place is not allowing children over five in the park. Most kids are not violent and will not run around like a banshee and scare the younger kids. I only know a few people who would do that. Instead of making an age limit, they should out somebody on guard at the playground to watch and see if there are older kids that are not obeying the rules. This rule may make kids that are six, seven, and eight feel like they are not wanted because they did something that was wrong. If there is at all an age limit, it should be higher, like kids that are over ten years old because a lot of kids become bullies around that age.

I thought the park was for preschoolers. Is it fair for older children to make younger children get off the swings and slides even though the older children are too big to use the equipment? Why didn't the school tell the older children not to use the park?

i think it is stupid to kick older kid's off the park when they're the ones that use it the most. I think all kids should be able to go to the park.

I think that they should let everyone play on the park. It is a public park that belongs to all the people to use and enjoy. It is wrong to kick people out of a park. Playing in a park is better than what some kids could be doing.

It's unfair because they didn't even get a warning.

I believe that is dosn't matter how old you are to be able to play on a playgroung and I believe that it is an unreasonable law.

I think that they should let everyone play on the park. It is a public park that belongs to all the people to use and enjoy. It is wrong to kick people out of a park. Playing in a park is better than what some kids could be doing.

Those fools running the town are just plain stupid if they limit PUBLIC park use in a SMALL town. What else is there to do? Besides, I don't see the toddler mothers coming up with any proof.

I believe that they shouldn't allow that and it seems like they have security gaurding the park to not allow it at the same time. It's not fair at all and I believe it is a dumb law that Naryland's government has made.

i think that this rule doesnt really make sence because kids that are young from like 5-10 year old arent violent they still have imagination they like to have fun they still dont think about violence and kids who do think of violence and other stuff wouldnt go to a park what kind of damage can they do at the park? they cant take the park from kids where else can they go have fun if their too worried about bad kids going their and starting problems they should have camaras or people watching that they there is no harm for anybody.

you should not tax pop because eveyone dinks it and if you taxed pop no one will buy the products. if you drink alot of pop and do not exersise and eat food good for you, you will get fat but if you drink some pop and eat good food it won't do much to you

If the park is public to the people than anyone should be allowed to come and enjoy it.

I think that kids should be given the freedom to play around las they wish. All kids have that urge to play in the playground, and these kids are being taken that freedom, which is very unfair.

at the age of 5 your still very young. at school you still attend recess. why cant you go to the park at an age as young as five?

My opinion is that there should be no tax on sodas. Being in a recession would hurt people, because it would cost us more money for the basic things we buy at the grocery store. It doesn't benefit anyone but the government, and we should be trying to help each other get out of these struggling times.