When my daughter goes down a slide or enjoys the thrill of a swing, I want her to experience the joy of play without the stress of her coming in contact with her food allergens. She has multiple severe food allergies and our city's parks can inadvertently become hazardous zones due to the lack of awareness and information around food allergies.

According to the CDC food allergies affect 1 in 13 children in the United States. That's roughly two students in every classroom. Despite the prevalence of food allergies, public spaces such as parks often do not provide adequate information or resources to help keep these children safe. It's not about completely eliminating all risk but rather raising awareness and offering practical guidance to create a safer environment for all.

We have reached out to both the county and city (Chesterfield) with little or no support and have been relegated to "ghosted" status. Because of the lack of support and communication we have received, we are turning to the local community by creating this petition in the hopes of gaining the attention this deserves. 

We are petitioning the local city and county parks' administration to take immediate action by:

1. Installing informative signage at all park entrances and high-traffic areas listing three key ways to help protect children with food allergies. Suggestions could include reminders about washing hands, recommendations to clean picnic tables before use, and guidelines on not sharing food.

2. Incorporating food allergy awareness into the parks' communications, from social media posts and website updates to printed bulletins distributed in the community.

These measures are not just guidelines for safety—they are steps towards cultivating a community that is conscious of and responsive to the needs of all its children. Imagine the difference it would make if every parent, guardian, and child were informed and vigilant, collectively safeguarding the well-being of their peers.

We can transform our parks into spaces that honor the joy of childhood without borderlines of fear. Let's work together to ensure that all children, including those like my daughter, can play freely and safely. Please sign this petition to advocate for food allergy awareness in our city's parks and create a supportive, informed community for everyone's benefit. Your signature could help save a life.