7.1.A PRSR 04-14-2010J
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ilk
River
REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission 7.1.A
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Action/Discussion Items April 14, 2010 Steve Benoit, Recreation Manager
Polic Issues
Item Description Reviewed by
Tobacco Free Park Policy Bill Maertz, Parks and Recreation
Director
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Adoption of Tobacco Free Park Policy
Background/Discussion
Over the past several months, the Parks and Recreation commission has been examining the concept of
implementing a tobacco free park policy that would restrict the use of tobacco products in City of Elk
River Parks. The rationale behind this initiative focuses on the following points:
• Secondhand smoke is a human carcinogen for which there is no safe level of exposure.
Exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate health consequences such as asthma attacks
and other respiratory diseases. Secondhand smoke levels in outdoor public places can reach
levels as high as those found in indoor facilities where smoking is permitted.
• Discarded cigarettes pollute the land and water and may be ingested by toddlers, pets, birds
or fish. Trash left from tobacco use also requires significant cleaning time from the Parks
Maintenance staff.
• As parents, leaders, coaches, and officials, we are thought of as role models and the use of
tobacco products around youth has a negative effect on their lifestyle choices.
Other Information to Consider
The following area communities have adopted tobacco free park policies:
• Ramsey • Zimmerman
• Dayton
• Maple Grove
• St. Francis
Staff Recommendations
• Anoka
• Monticello
• Anoka County Parks
S:\Parks & Recreation\4-1410 PRC Packet\Tobacco Tree Parks Policy Request for Action.doc
Staff recommend that the attached tobacco free park policy be adopted.
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
S:\Parks & Recreation\4-1410 PRC Packet\Tobacco Frce Parks Policy Request for Action.doc
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Item: 7. I .A
ver
Parks and Recreation Tobacco-Free Parks System Policy
(Draft)
1. Guideline Statement
The City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Tobacco-Free Policy is designed to protect the health,
welfare, and safety of our park patrons. Our organization is committed to the quality of life for all
residents, therefore, we believe that:
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 consumed in public spaces are often discarded on the ground, thus posing
a risk of ingestion to toddlers and causing a litter problem.
As parents, leaders, coaches, and officials, we are thought of as role models and the use of
tobacco products around youth has a negative effect on their lifestyle choices.
2. Policy Statement
The City of Elk River does not allow the use of tobacco products on City-owned park land,
recreational facilities, and open space.
3. Compliance Procedures
The emphasis on enforcing the Tobacco-Free Parks and Recreation Policy is through voluntary
compliance:
Appropriate City- owned park land, recreational facilities, and open space will have signage
posted.
City of Elk River staff will meet with activity organizations and/or leaders or coaches to
discuss the policy and the distribute flyers with the "Tobacco Free" regulations.
City staff will make periodic observations of activity sites to monitor compliance.
S:\Pazks & Recreation\4-14-10 PRC Packet\Tobacco tree Parks Policy Request for Action.doc