Summer is here and students all over Canton and Cherokee County are looking forward to spending time with family and friends at our local parks. Games such as frisbee, soccer, and flag football are certain to be among their plans. However, due to recent decisions made by local officials, visitors to both Heritage and Boling parks will be greeted with signs declaring the grounds as “passive” parks. This status means that individuals are no longer allowed to participate in sports while in these public areas.

According to the city’s own website the purpose of its parks is to “inspire physical activity and social growth.” With this information, how can the city of Canton justify forbidding sports on these properties? Without doubt, the city’s vision of providing a means for physical activity and social growth is to be admired. People of all ages need exercise. However, while walking and running facilities are necessary and appreciated, Canton’s youth need more options. It is a well-known fact that parks keep kids socially active, occupied, and out of trouble—as well as physically fit. What a total waste for the city to deem its well manicured lawns as merely a place to admire with one’s eyes! At a time when obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are all on the rise, banning sports from our local recreation areas will decrease their usefulness. Without the freedom to play in our city parks, many citizens have no alternative; in these economically strapped times, people simply do not have extra funds to join gyms or country clubs.

After all, common sense dictates that having “passive” parks encourages people to be passive while visiting them, which is directly inconsistent with their own vision.