No tats at the park?

[phantomphan]

City Considers Banning Tattoos From Parks

11:50 am, February 16, 2012, by Ted Achladis

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(WQAD-TV video still)

By Pauli Mayfield, WQAD-TVReporter

BETTENDORF, Iowa — The Bettendorf Park Board is considering a policy that would address the tattoos, piercings and attire that a guest is allowed to display at their city facilities.

Last summer at Splash Landing water park, a patron complained about another patron’s tattoo — stating it was inappropriate. The staff member asked the guest to cover their tattoo but the guest decided to leave instead.

Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Director, Steve Grimes says he understands every situation may not end like this. The new policy would help the staff members know how to handle the situation in the future.

Grimes says the policy would address issues of “decency” of tattoos that are allowed to be displayed.

“We certainly want to respect people’s right to expression and at the same time, we want to respect a families’ right to have a family environment. We have to find a balance,” said Grimes.

We spoke with local business owner and tattoo artist, Ron O’Tool who says the proposed restrictions are just not acceptable.

“It definitely goes against everything the First Amendment stands for,” said O’Tool.

He says he can understand where an inappropriate tattoo could cause an issue but to distinguish what is and isn’t appropriate is “up to scrutiny” and “against our rights.”

Grimes says the policy is in the very first stages and is just currently being discussed. There is no timeline for a possible vote on the issue.

[chels210]

I can see how extremely vulgar tattoos would be offensive to some, but who is going to be the tattoo checker and judge? I think it is going a little too far to ban all, but I can see their point to an extent

[opinionatedmom]

ohh boy i need popcorn for this. that is not going to fly at all. most people have tats.

[2manydiapers]

i could see full nudes, and lots of "bad words".

But if the law doesnt specify, thats a can of worms

[phantomphan]

bump

[saraface5383]

Wow, i wouldnt be allowed in the park with my children then. this is bs.

[021705]

I could see nudity or vulgar tattoos, but I have lots of flowers, if that's offensive to look at u can leave:) lol

[Young_Mommy89]

I love tats but I get that...there was a lady here who had a carebear whacking off on her, a catlady on her stomache with her hairy vagina spread wide....ugh I wouldn't want to see those in the market let alone at a park for kids

[Tea4Tas]

I think the point was they want offensive tattos to be covered up. I must say I agree. I don't want my 6 year old asking me 

"Mommy what is a pussy eater?"

[roknbabe]

I wouldn't cover mine either, that's bs

[MsDean]

 I have tattoos and I am always part of a family enviroment.

It is totally idiotic to ban tattoos at parks.