9.C.4. PRSR 01-14-2004Item # 9.C.4.
ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Michele McPhersorl',-Director of Planning
DATE: January 14, 2004
SUBJECT: Tobacco Free Recreation
Attachments
• Sample Park Policy -Owatonna, Minnesota
• Sample Park Policy -Grand Rapids, Mimiesota
• Draft Elk River Park Policy
As directed by the Park and Recreation Commission at their December 1Q 2003 meeting,
staff has brought back for discussion purposes the issue of tobacco free recreation. Jennifer
Eide from Sherburne County Health forwarded to staff the attached two sample park
policies from Owatonna and Grand Rapids. Staff has amended the Grand Rapids policy, as
it was similar to the Elk River situation in regard to the Orono Athletic Complex.
Recommendation
The Commission is asked to discuss the issue of tobacco free recreation and if appropriate,
recommend adoption of such a policy to the City Council.
S:\PIANNING\Michele McPherson\PARKNREC\Tobacco Free Rec.doc
Sample Park Policy:
Owatonna, MN
CITY OF OWATONNA, MINNESOTA
Park & Recreation Department
540 West Hills Circle
Owatonna, MN 55060
PARK 8 RECREATION DEPARTMENT POLICY STATEMENT
Subject: Use of tobacco products at Owatonna Park and Recreation Department
and Owatonna Youth Athletic Association youth events using Owatonna Park and
Recreation Department outdoor facilities.
Background: The Owatonna Park and Recreation Department believes that
tobacco use in the proximity of children and adults engaging or watching youth
sports at City of Owatonna owned or operated facilities is detrimental to their health
and can be offensive to those using such facilities. Furthermore the Owatonna
Park and Recreation Department believes that parents, leaders, coaches, and
officials are role models for youth and can have a positive effect on the lifestyle
choices they make. Also, cigarettes once consumed in public spaces are often
discarded on the ground, thus posing a risk to toddlers due to ingestion.
Section 1: Tobacco use is prohibited at outdoor youth recreation facilities owned
by the City of Owatonna to include Warsinski Outdoor skating facility, soccer fields,
football fields, baseball/softball fields, Lake Kohlmier beach, and playgrounds.
Tobacco products shall also be prohibited at the spectator areas, restrooms, and
concession areas of these facilities. Appropriate signage will be posted in all these
areas by the Owatonna Park and Recreation Department.
Section 2: Effective Date
This policy statement is effective upon the date of adoption.
Effective Date: December 11, 2001
Sample City Park Policy:
Grand Rapids, MN
City of Grand Rapids
Tobacco-Free Park Policy
No person shall use any form of tobacco at or on designated city-owned or operated
recreational facilities, including the restrooms, spectator, and concession areas. These
facilities include:
1. Blandin Beach
2. Central School
3. Grussendorf Park
4. Lost Creek Park
5. Maplewood Park
6. McGowan Park
7. Oakland Park
8. Newton Sliding Hill
9. Willow Park
10. American Legion Baseball Field during youth activities
11. Grand Rapids Sports Complex during youth activities
Policy Enforcement Plan
In order to effectively educate the community and ensure compliance, we will implement
the following plan:
1. Appropriate signs will be posted in the parks mentioned above.
2. The community, especially facility users and staff, will be notified about this
policy.
3. Persons violating this policy may be asked to first refrain from using tobacco
products; if they fail to do so they will be asked to leave the facility for the
remainder of the event.
Policy Adoption Date: July 14, 2003
DRAFT
CITY OF ELK RIVER
Tobacco-Free Park Policy
No person shall use any form of tobacco at or on designated city-owned or operated
recreational facilities, including the restrooms, spectator, and concession areas. These
facilities include:
1. Lions Park
2. Woodland Trails Park
3. Orono Park
4. All Neighborhood Parks
5. Orono Athletic Complex during youth activities
6. Youth Athletic Complex
Policy Enforcement Plan
In order to effectively educate the community and ensure compliance, we will implement the
following plan:
1. Appropriate signs will be posted in the parks mentioned above.
2. The community, especially facility users and staff, will be notified about this policy.
3. Persons violating this policy maybe asked to first refrain from using tobacco
products; if they fail to do so they will be asked to leave the facility.
Policy Adoption Date: , 2004
S:\PLANNING\Padcs\Tobacco Free\Tobxco-free poliry.doc