Archived News Release from 2008

For Immediate Release

Community Invited to Comment on Proposal for “Smoke-Free City Parks”

Redwood City, CA - October 21, 2008 - Since early this year, a sub-committee of Redwood City’s Parks & Recreation Commission has been exploring a possible ordinance change to make all City parks “smoke-free.” Over 300 people responded to a survey on this issue, in which 86% of respondents agreed that such an ordinance should be implemented.

Now, the Parks and Recreation Commission has scheduled a special community workshop to talk about the effects of this proposed ordinance, examine the impacts, and gain additional community input on whether this proposal should move forward.

The workshop is scheduled for:

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
7:30 pm
Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue

The City ordinance currently states that it is prohibited to smoke within 20 feet of main entrances, exits, and operable windows of any park facility, restroom, or within 25 feet of a Playground, Tot Lot, or Recreational Area. The proposed ordinance will replace the existing language to prohibit smoking entirely with the boundaries of all City parks:

• No person shall, within any City park: Smoke, light or carry a lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette or other smoking device of any kind.  “No Smoking” signs shall be posted in every City park.

No decisions will be made at this community workshop – it is for discussion and input only. Following this workshop, the issue will return to the Parks Commission in November for a final decision on a recommendation to the City Council. If the Commission decides to recommend the ordinance change, then the proposal will be placed on a City Council agenda in December or early 2009 for additional discussion, community input, and a final decision.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business. Take a look at the variety of City webcams at www.redwoodcity.org/webcam, and subscribe to Redwood City’s electronic newsletter or other City documents at www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

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Contact:
Chris Beth
Redwood City Parks Department
(650) 780-7253