Shoreline Parks Now Smoke-Free

From http://www.cityofshoreline.com/:

On March 26, Council took the historic step of making all Shoreline parks tobacco free. Ordinance No. 630, which prohibits smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco on all Shoreline park property, passed unanimously.

Tobacco-free parks help reduce exposure to second-hand smoke for children and families, and reduce pollution from cigarette butts, which is one of the main sources of litter in public places. Establishing tobacco-free parks is also part of a broad movement to create healthy and smoke-free areas, especially for children. Tobacco use in places like parks can send a mixed-message to children and youth that tobacco products are consistent with a healthy environment and lifestyle.

In a recent survey of King County residents, 70 percent said they support smoke-free public places, including parks. These survey results were echoed by Shoreline residents and park users, as 69 percent of respondents who took an online City survey stated that they would support a policy that prohibits the use of tobacco products in City parks.

In the coming months, Shoreline Parks and Recreation staff will begin installing park signage that communicates that all parks are tobacco-free.