You are here

Association Calls For Tobacco Ban At All Parks And Recreation Centers

Share

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

As long as vaping is allowed, I'm ok with it. But if the nicotine nazi's demand they be banned, also, they should not.


Any intent to prevent a second hand nuisance is fine by me but to enforce their lifestyle choices on others is just more "we know better than you" snobery.  Who are they to tell others what their life choices should be?


It isn't second hand "nuisance". It isn't a "lifestyle choice". Unless you are the bought-and-paid-for Mike Pence telling us tobacco doesn't cause cancer, it is a HEALTH issue. It isn't snobbery to know more about health issues than you - it is education.


While your at it you should ban camp fires because it triggers asthma attacks. If health is your thing I think you should outlaw soda, hot dogs, marshmallows and Hershey bars. I know you don't get it but you are a government agency and should be restricted by The Constitution. But then you are probably a liberal collectivist facist that has no regard for the very foundation which our country was founded apon.

 


Rick -Despite your baseless claim,  I do know it is not healthy and I don't smoke.  But I don't make that choice for others.  Some may be willing to give up years of their life for what they believe is the pleasure of smoking.  They know it isn't healthy but they make that choice. Should we ban sugar in the parks?  Alcohol?   Risky activities?  Its their choice to make, and not yours or the NRPA's.  Again to force your lifestyle on them is just snobbery.  


Sorry, fellow healthy person Eric. Them smoking where the smoke affects me is THEM forcing their lifestyle choices on me and others non-consensually. How common-people of you to accuse others with an education of snobbery. Right off the RNC talking points memo.

 

 


Them smoking where the smoke affects me

I said if their smoking is bothering someone else (the smoke that is) then it should be banned. If they are smoking and their smoke bothers no one, then you opinion about their health doesn't amount to a hill of beans.   And once again you make a baseless accusation.  I never made said that someone with an education is a snob.  I claimed those that try to tell (force) others how to live their lives are snobs.


OK, fellow snob.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

The National Parks RVing Guide, aka the Essential RVing Guide To The National Parks, is the definitive guide for RVers seeking information on campgrounds in the National Park System where they can park their rigs. It's available for free for both iPhones and Android models.

This app is packed with RVing specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 parks.

You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.