The National Recreation and Park Association is 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, the organization said in a release.
NRPA believes prohibiting tobacco consumption and use at public park and recreation centers will protect visitors, especially children, from unhealthy behavior and exposure to secondhand smoke. The elimination of tobacco products will also prevent millions of cigarette butts and filters from being left behind by tobacco users — an act that can harm the environment and cause fires. Currently, more than 1,266 park and recreation agencies in the United States have deemed their facilities tobacco-free.
“Park and recreation agencies play a key role in promoting health and wellness in the communities they serve,” said Barbara Tulipane, NRPA President and CEO. “Eliminating the use of tobacco products at parks and recreation centers will make a positive difference in the fight against tobacco-related illnesses and diseases — especially cancer.”
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States — killing more than 480,000 Americans every year. It is also known to cause harm to millions of people, including children that are exposed to the dangers of secondhand smoke. There have been 2.5 million deaths associated with secondhand smoke since 1964.
Public support for the elimination of tobacco products in parks and recreation centers is broad-based. A recent Park Pulse poll conducted by NRPA found that four in five Americans (79 percent) support policies that would prohibit the use of tobacco products at public parks and recreation centers. Support for such policies was higher among parents and college graduates.
The nation’s park and recreation facilities are on the frontline in the battle against the obesity epidemic and other chronic health issues. Between 2000 and 2012, more than 85 studies have been published that link parks to better physical and mental health.
To read NRPA’s position statement, visit this site.
Comments
When I tell you how to live your life, you can call me a snob. Until then, you can claim that self proclaimed title for your self.
QED.
Let's make it clear that this is not a government agency advocating this move.
I'm definitely not a smoker, and personally hate being anywhere near people that are smoking. I do find it irritating when I walk to a visitor center, and there's always some guy standing right near the entrance smoking while kids and people are entering. Since I work for an association, I encounter lots of people smoking around other people that obviously don't want to inhale those carcinogens. To me that is almost inexcusable. However, if it's in another area of the park, where there isn't a person around, i'm ok with it. But, smokers should respect the health of non-smokers and in this day and age expect that most people don't want to breathe it in.
I also get extremely irritated when i'm driving in a park and I see some idiot throw their cigarette butt out onto the side of the roadway, in turn trashing our national parks with their litter. It happens way too often. But, they have the right to smoke in thier vehicle, so I think that should be ok as long as they pack out their butts.
Gary, for once we agree. And for Lee - it is not a government agency advocating for this move (at least not in this article) but the NRPA is advocating that a government agency enact the rule
NRPA, like thousands of other organizations and groups, is perfectly within its rights to advocate for government agencies to enact -- or repeal -- rules. I was responding to an earlier commenter who seemed to think it was coming from the NPS or some other government agency.
Gary's comment is absolutely correct.
So I guess we all agree on this one.
as long as they agree not to accept any tax money from tobacco or related items from local state or federal agencie. they should also refuse any and all tax monies from alcohol sales or allow it in the parks...alcohol has been traced back to more whole family deaths at one time than second hand smoke.....also ban football baseball bike riding........I think you get the point
If the National or State parks want to do this, then they will lose business. I don't mind not smoking in doors, however, if I am outdoors in the open, people around me will not be that affected from "secondary smoke". It will disapate rapidly. Smokers, believe it or not, have constitutional rights also and this could be a possible lawsuit if enough smokers wanted to challenge it. Personnally, I think that they would also be able to win it. If my smoking outdoors bothers you, then don't come around me. If I am at your campsite or whatever and it bothers you, ask me (nicely) to move because it bothers you. Parks and recreational sites are for everyone to enjoy, not just non-smokers. You make your own choice whether or not to smoke, but don't try and make your choice mine!