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Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
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Coon Rapids, MN Bans Smoking in Public Parks and Recreation Facilities [06/18-2]
Excerpts from: County recognizes tobacco-free parks policy
By Peter Bodley Coon Rapids Herald [06/17/04]
Coon Rapids City Council's decision earlier this year to adopt a tobacco-free park and recreation policy has been recognized by Anoka County.
Coon Rapids was the first community in the county to put such a tobacco-free parks policy in place. Ramsey has since followed suit.
The Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services has presented the city with a certificate recognizing "its efforts to protect the health of the public by adopting a tobacco-free policy for its park and recreational facilities."
"We are all aware of the effects smoking can have on our health," said Marina McManus, director of the county's community health and environmental services department.
"What is still being understood is how youth learn both good and bad habits from adults.
"By making your park and recreational spaces tobacco-free, you have sent youth a message that smoking is not acceptable as part of a healthy lifestyle.
"Equally important, you have taken a step to protect all residents from secondhand smoke."
"Thank you for approving this responsible policy for the citizens of Coon Rapids."
Under the policy adopted by the council, the city does not allow the use of tobacco products on city-owned parkland, park facilities, open space or joint city/school district properties, except within the confines of a vehicle in a designated parking area.
The policy does not extend to the city's Bunker Hills Golf Course.
Enforcement of the tobacco-free park policy is through voluntary compliance.
Signs, provided by the Tobacco Free Minnesota organization, have been posted at all city-owned parkland, park facilities, open space and joint city/school district properties.
In addition, city staff has been meeting with activity organizations and/or leaders or coaches to discuss the policy and distribute flyers with the tobacco-free regulations.
Under the policy, staff make periodic observations of activity sites to monitor compliance with the tobacco-free policy.
In creating a tobacco-free environment in city parks, the policy states:
. Tobacco product use in the proximity of children, youth and adults engaging in or watching recreational activities is unhealthy and detrimental to the health of others.
. Tobacco products once consumed in public spaces are often discarded on the ground, thus posing a risk of ingestion to toddlers and causing a litter problem.
. Parents, leaders, coaches and officials are thought of as role models and the use of tobacco products around youth has a negative effect on their lifestyle choices.
The policy has the backing of Coon Rapids Youth First, whose chairman Reid Mortensen said the policy sends youth, parents and coaches a message that encourages healthy and positive behaviors in city parks and recreation facilities.
Youth First is committed to reinforce to youth messages that tobacco use is unhealthy behavior and secondhand smoke is harmful, he said.
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