Speak Out: What You're Saying About Eliminating 35 Tot Lots in Columbia

A recent article on the planned elimination of about one-fifth of the tot lots in Columbia – four in 2011, and, over the next decade, a total of approximately 35 of the 171 playgrounds in town – met with a variety of responses from readers.

Here's what people said on Facebook and in the comments section. You're welcome to add your own thoughts below.

. And others' thoughts on uses for the spaces where eliminated tot lots once stood can be found at a a pair of blogs: HoCo Connect and Sarah Says.

"Very sad. We love the tot lots. We like the tot lots because they are outside, located along the paths so playtime can be combined with a walk or a ride, don't cost money and don't require power. They are a great community resource. It's a shame the money to maintain them doesn't grow on trees."

"Finally, some rational thinking on the part of the socialists in charge of the association."

"One of the things I always loved growing up in Columbia was that there was always a place nearby to play. The public tot lots give kids a place to mingle with their neighbors and make new friends, instead of holing up in their own backyard."

"Ah, the end of an era... Me and my cousins grew up on Columbia's various tot lots. We used [to] spend our summers walking the paths in search of new playgrouds that we had yet to play on."

"This is little to no news, 3 a year for the next 10 years, really? Is that news when they should be replaced or are past there usefulness in that timeframe anyway?

"I have lived in Howard County my entire life (35 years-save 4.5 years for Military Service) and the majority of these tot lots a were built when I was in elementary and middle school.

"Parents today, me included, are taking our kids to the plastic built playgrounds (Lake Elkhorn, Highridge etc..) while the teens are drinking and smoking at the better hidden tot lots just like I did when I was their age.

"Why throw good money at up keep and maintenance when they can easily be converted into reforestation areas, work out stations or picnic areas?"

"I don't think that proximity to an elementary school should be used as a reason to eliminate a tot lot, because while school is in session, children not at the school aren't supposed to use that playground, and also the equipment is really geared for ages 5+, not for toddlers (which most tot lots seem to be).

"I also think that while teens behaving badly is a problem for neighborhoods, eliminating tot lots where they gather won't necessarily help the problem, although it might move them to another location. Say, in the woods, where nobody can see them. Perhaps providing different open areas for them to play sport-type games in would help (not only basketball).

"Oh, yes, and Long Reach is in the process of locating which tot lots might be eliminated. They've had notices in the village newsletter and invited interested parties to submit suggestions and come to village board meetings to discuss."

"What about the tot lot in the Wyndham Circle complex? This tot lot is so hidden with trees that I would be afraid to take a child down there. I use to take my grandchildren there, but its too woody."