A while back you published a photograph of a man carving initials into a mature tree at a public park. Several readers wrote how disappointed they were that you would promote vandalizing public property.

Today you published a photograph on the front page of young children climbing on a piece of public art, “Families hop and scoot at the park in Westerly,” (March 3). The desire on the part of the children is certainly understandable, but parents should be using such an opportunity as a teaching moment that public art is not playground equipment. Art should not have to be labeled “do not climb,” parents should be teaching children that all art is fragile to a greater or lesser extent and we need to treat it with respect.

This "Runaway Bunny" sculpture may be robust, but not all are, and to avoid damage and unnecessary wear and tear sculptures should be enjoyed, but not touched and certainly not climbed on, (unless the artist or owner specifically encourages it.)

Once again, I am disappointed in The Day for being tone deaf about the issue of respect for public property.

Steve Grover

Stonington