Archived News Release from 2008

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Parks Commission to Discuss, Consider Recommendation to Council for Proposed “Smoke-Free City Parks”

Redwood City, CA - November 3, 2008 - At its meeting on Wednesday, November 19th the Redwood City Parks & Recreation Commission will be considering a proposal to make all Redwood City parks completely smoke-free. The meeting will begin at 7:30 pm at the Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue. At this meeting the Commission will discuss the proposed ordinance, gather comments from the community, and consider a recommendation to the City Council.

The community is invited and encouraged to participate in this important discussion about our parks, to talk about the effects of the proposed ordinance, examine its possible impacts, and provide opinions to the Commission on whether this proposal should move forward. If the Parks and Recreation Commission decides to recommend to the City Council that this ordinance be implemented, it would likely come before the Council in December or January, which will be another opportunity for the community to comment.

Earlier this year, a sub-committee of the Commission began exploring a possible ordinance change to prohibit smoking within the boundaries of all Redwood City parks. Over 300 people responded to a survey on this issue, in which 86% of respondents agreed that such an ordinance should be implemented. The sub-committee also held a special public workshop in late October to gather additional community comment on the proposal.

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.

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