Title
Smoke-free Parks Policy
Description
This report provides information to the Land Use and Livability Subcommittee regarding a new Smoke-free Parks policy.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Report
Summary
The Parks and Recreation Department recently conducted research on smoke free parks systems both locally and nationally. Nine of the ten largest U.S. cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas and San Jose) have designated their parks as smoke free, which includes cigarettes, tobacco and marijuana. Phoenix is the only city in the top 10 that allows smoking in City parks.
Phoenix has previously taken steps to consider smoke-free parks. In 2015, a two-year pilot program designated El Oso Park as tobacco-free. The pilot was a result of efforts by students from Trevor G. Browne High School, with the group “Students Taking a New Direction (STAND),” a dedicated group of youth advocates that engage in projects related to tobacco prevention in order to reduce tobacco use among youth and adults. During the two-year pilot, STAND students along with Maricopa County staff, conducted regular park clean ups and surveys of park users.
In 2018, a subsequent survey was conducted by the STAND coalition, in partnership with the Maricopa County Department of Health and various community partners, to gauge the public's support of a citywide tobacco-free parks system. In total, over 3,000 surveys were collected and approximately 80 percent of all respondents voiced support for a tobacco-free park system.
In addition, the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) has issued a position statement calling for a ban on the consumption and use of tobacco products at all public parks and recreation centers across the country. The statement represents NRPA’s commitment to reducing the number of people who die from tobacco or tobacco-related illnesses or who suffer from tobacco-related diseases.
On Feb. 17, 2021, staff presented this item for information and discussion at the City Council Land Use and Livability Subcommittee; and subsequently, at the Parks and Recreation Board (Board) meeting on Feb. 25, 2021. Feedback was obtained at both meetings, resulting in the recommended policy to the Board, which was approved on March 25, 2021.
Below are prohibitions and exceptions to the policy:
Prohibited
- Smoking on all City park property, including sidewalks/pathways, parking lots and areas outside of community centers.
- The use of vaping or tobacco products including inhaling, exhaling, carrying any lighted cigar, cigarette of any kind, or any pipe or other device containing tobacco or marijuana.
Exceptions
- Designated smoking areas will be allowed at special events and special event venues/spring training facilities.
- Smoking will continue to be allowed at City golf courses, although not within 20 feet of buildings or doorways.
The Smoke-free Parks policy will be included in the Parks and Recreation Department’s Code of Conduct. As with other park rules, parks and recreation staff will lead with education to try to get park users in compliance.
Public notification about the Smoke-free Parks policy will be included in the comprehensive communications plan developed for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Code of Conduct, which includes outreach on social media, presence on the department’s web page and signage in City parks.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Parks and Recreation Board approved implementing a smoke-free parks system at its March 25, 2021 Board meeting.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Parks and Recreation Department.