COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Mike Keane, Recreation Services Manager
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion and Direction on Creation of Smoke-Free Areas within Rotary Community Park
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FUNDING SOURCE:
N/A
PURPOSE:
To provide direction on smoke-free areas within Rotary Community Park
BACKGROUND:
Students Working Against Tobacco of Lake Havasu City (S.W.A.T. - LHC) made two presentations to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board stating smoke-free parks are becoming a major trend across the United States. Parks and Recreation agencies are creating policies to ban smoking in public parks to allow users access to clean, fresh air. As an additional benefit these policies reduce litter in parks from cigarette butts. S.W.A.T. - LHC requests Lake Havasu City to consider adopting similar policies.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board recommends that the Lake Havasu City Council adopt an ordinance creating smoke free areas in Rotary Park.
Through additional conversations, City staff expressed concerns about enforcement of an ordinance and the unintended implications. Therefore, staff recommends S.W.A.T. - LHC develop an education program to discourage smoking in city parks where children may be present. Part of this education program could include signage in city parks.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Education of residents on health effect of second hand smoke on children.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Rotary Park Map
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Formal Recommendation
SUGGESTED MOTION:
N/A