Fritz Wants to Expand Smoking Ban to Entire Park System

Monday, February 09, 2015

Byron Beck, GoLocalPDX Features Editor

On Wednesday, February 11, Portland City Council will consider a measure to expand Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R)'s smoking and tobacco ban throughout the entire parks system.

If Council approves the change, then all City parks, natural areas, community centers, trails, golf courses, recreation areas, and all other sites where PP&R park rules apply would be tobacco-free starting on July 1, 2015.

According to a press release issued on Monday by PP&R currently, more than 500 cities and towns nationwide have laws mandating smoke-free parks , including 64 other cities and counties in Oregon.

PP&R currently prohibits tobacco use at Director Park, Pioneer Courthouse Square, and the portion of the South Park Blocks that is located on Portland State University's campus. Smoking is also prohibited within 25 feet of any play structure, picnic table or designated children's play area.

"Expanding PP&R's existing tobacco-free policy across the entire system sends a consistent message," says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who will bring the measure to Council. "It helps to create healthy and safe environments within all of Portland Parks & Recreation - especially for children and youth. This measure aligns with PP&Rs focus of 'Healthy Parks, Healthy Portland'."

Prohibited smoking and tobacco products include, but are not limited to: bidis, cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, clove cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine vaporizers, nicotine liquids, hookahs, kreteks, pipes, chew, snuff, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana. The expanded policy would also apply to events held at PP&R properties, with a provision for golf tournaments to allow smoking under certain conditions.

If the measure passes, Portland Parks & Recreation would embark on educational outreach to bring awareness to the expanded policy, which would begin on July 1, 2015.

According to PP&R the rule would be primarily enforced through education. Patrons who refuse to comply with park rules could also be subject to a parks exclusion.

If City Council approves the policy, it will become effective on July 1st, 2015.

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