Because second-hand smoke is inherently dangerous, even in open areas, all public parks should be smoke free. (Source: The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General, June 27, 2006.)
Until state or national legislation is enacted, local units of government have a responsibility to protect public parks -- as well as workplaces and beaches -- from second-hand smoke.
One recently recognized the urgency, another did not -- all should.
Garfield Township and Grand Traverse County's Parks and Recreation commissions each passed a "park rules" ordinance. Garfield Township's was effective Aug. 15, 2008, Grand Traverse County's, Sept. 15, 2008.
Garfield Township's prohibits "smoking of tobacco products of any kind within 100 feet of any playground equipment, pavilions, restroom facilities or any other area where persons may be affected by second-hand smoke." (Ordinance No. 50 Parkland Ordinance, Section 5D.) The township wanted smoking totally prohibited, but compromised on 100 feet.
Regrettably, Grand Traverse County's Parks and Recreation Commission's rules permit smoking anywhere within its parks. This, despite numerous complaints about umpires smoking during Little League games, adults smoking near playground equipment and by both young and older adults smoking at the skateboard park.
Since the Civic Center is within Traverse City, smoking is banned by Traverse City's smoke-free workplace ordinance, but only within the Civic Center building and 15 feet of entrances. (Grand Traverse County commissioners refused to pass a county ordinance so Traverse City proceeded with its own.)
There is an easy remedy. The Parks and Recreation Commission should amend its rules, preferably to prohibit smoking or, alternately, have a 100-foot restriction like Garfield Township.
The list of municipalities with all parks or specifically named parks 100 percent smoke-free continues to grow. In Michigan these include Fremont, Muskegon, St. Ignace, Huntington Woods and Kimball Township. Nationally, as of July 1, 2008, there are 356. (Source: American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation)
Terrible consequences of smoking and second-hand smoke include nicotine addiction, suffering and premature death, health care cost in the billions, many deaths and property damage losses in the millions from careless smoking, huge taxpayer-funded clean-up costs and proven dangers of tobacco residues on fish, wildlife, and our environment. Everyone is affected.
Until satisfactory legislation is enacted, much can be done.
Everyone should tell their local, state and national officials of their concern and hold them accountable. HB 4163 banning smoking in all workplaces including bars and restaurants is now being considered in Michigan's House of Representatives.
Municipalities should prohibit smoking at parks, workplaces and beaches.
Smoking should be banned on all school grounds.
Parents and others who smoke should quit and until they do, especially not smoke where children are nearby.
Young people must understand that nicotine is an addictive drug, that if they start smoking, it will be difficult to quit, and most importantly that smoking is not "cool" but a deadly habit.
Local health departments can be of assistance to those interested in tobacco cessation programs.
About the author: Karl DeFoe is a retired insurance broker who lives in Peninsula Township. He has been active for many years in efforts to achieve smoke-free workplaces and public places. He is a former member and supports Traverse Bay Area Tobacco Coalition's mission to reduce tobacco use and involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke.
About the forum: The forum is a periodic column of opinion written by Record-Eagle readers in their areas of interest or expertise. Submissions of 500 words or less may be made by e-mailing letters@record-eagle.com. Please include biographical information and a photo.
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