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September 15, 2009

City leaders discuss smoking ban in parks

By SHERI McWHIRTER

TRAVERSE CITY -- Zachary Collins and Ally Smith sat near a flower bed at Traverse City's Open Space, each smoking a cigarette.

They didn't throw their cigarette butts on the ground or into Grand Traverse Bay, yet they still did something city leaders may consider banning: they smoked in a city park.

"It's our choice to do it, so why do we always get the short end of the stick?" said Collins, a downstate musician looking for work in Traverse City.

Smith said she doesn't want to light up near a family or playground, but if city commissioners banned smoking in parks, people would simply stand on sidewalks. Maybe designated smoking areas would be better, Collins said.

City commissioners discussed all that and more at their Monday meeting.

City leaders already banned smoking in workplaces, save for restaurants and bars, places they've lobbied state lawmakers to consider a ban on smoking.

"People need to understand that parks should encourage active lifestyles and healthy living. That's what parks should represent," said Nathan Elkins, chairman of Traverse City's Parks and Recreation Commission.

The parks commission recommends city commissioners adopt a total smoke-free policy for city parks because it would be easier to enforce than an ordinance that called for no smoking within so many feet of playground equipment, pavilions and such, said Lauren Vaughn, the city's parks and recreation superintendent.

"I think this is a great idea," said Commissioner Jim Carruthers.

Carruthers is often frustrated by smokers who litter by throwing their cigarette butts on the ground, litter that eventually washes into storm drains and into the bay, he said.

Others agreed.

"I think this is a step we should take for public safety, if nothing else," said Commissioner Ralph Soffredine.

Lisa Danto, coordinator for the Traverse Bay Area Tobacco Coalition, said second-hand smoke is dangerous -- even outdoors -- considering how many children use city parks. Additionally, adults who smoke in city parks set a bad example for young people, she said.

"If kids see that it's normal, they are more likely to try it," Danto said.

A proposed ordinance will be written for city commissioners to consider, said R. Ben Bifoss, city manager.

Katelyn Patterson, of Traverse City, said a ban on smoking in city parks would be a good idea. She brought two children she baby-sat to F & M Park on Monday.

"Ideally, because so many children are around parks, it probably isn't the best place to have second-hand smoke. Even though it's an open area, I wouldn't want them breathing it in," she said, nodding at the children, 6 and 4.

On another side of the park, Travis Clary played Frisbee with Joe Frawley, and although neither Grand Traverse County resident lives inside city limits, they both frequently use Traverse City's parks. Neither is bothered by outdoor smokers, they said.

"I don't mind if somebody has a cigarette at a park because it's outside and the smoke won't really bother me," Clary said.

"In restaurants it's nice because it's not in your face, but out here, the smoke dissipates a little faster," Frawley said.

Despite that, smokers should put cigarette butts in a trash can or ash tray and avoid smoking "right by the monkey bars, where kids are," Clary said.

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