A Ban on Sidewalk Chalk! What's Next, Bubbles?

I find it hard to believe that sidewalk chalk is offensive, but in Denver, Colorado some neighbors have taken complaints to their neighborhood association claiming just that. All due to a precious 3 year old, Emerson Cohen, exploring her creativity with swirls and rainbows on the sidewalk.

"Offensive?"

Wow, I have heard it all now.

This is really surprising to me. I buy a lot of sidewalk chalk for my kids, as do many of you I'm sure. This is one the best and easiest ways for children to create art that is not too messy (no crayons on the walls, nor paint on their bodies). It's also very easy to clean up.

I think it's funny that we don't see neighborhoods all over the US complaining about problems with kids using sidewalk chalk. Most likely because it's not a real problem.

If you visit the Crayola website, they provide clear directions on how to remove sidewalk chalk artwork when finished. It's not hard at all.

I have only had to spray the chalk drawings with a hose myself and other times the rain has washed it away if I left the artwork there.

Sidewalk chalk comes in a variety of colors and brands, and you can buy it at just about any store where toys and art supplies are sold.

Sarah Cohen, Emerson's mother told CBS “It’s definitely better than video games.” I agree with her 100 percent on that. “It’s a simple pleasure for her.”

Since the offending little girl's family lives in a courtyard, I understand that the neighbors may not want to see artwork all over the common areas of their neighborhood left there all day, but asking the mom to remove the art before her daughter goes in for naps or the evening would be a better solution.

Compromising and agreeing to use a single location like a 2-3 squares of concrete in front of the Cohen family's own home instead of any other areas is even reasonable.

It's summer. Kids want to be outside and they should be. Small children can't go far and they don't have as many options as the older kids. It's washable sidewalk chalk folks, not bottle rockets!

Why can't these neighbors just get along? I'm guessing someone has a problem with Emerson's family, not the art at all.

Ridiculous!