Councilmember Orange Proposes Smoke Free Playgrounds
Yesterday, I received several press releases from Councilmember Vincent Orange. I thought the one below was a little more interesting than most.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: James D. Brown
February 20, 2013 202-724-8174
jbrown@dccouncil.us
ORANGE INTRODUCED BILL TO ENSURE SMOKE FREE PLAYGROUNDS AND PLAY AREAS
No Smoking Within 25 Feet of a Playground or Play Area
(Washington, DC) – Councilmember Vincent Orange, (At-Large, D), introduced legislation to prohibit smoking within 25 feet of a playground or play area located on a public or private education facility or on a District of Columbia Park and Recreation Center.
“The purpose of the Smoking Restriction Amendment Act of 2103 is to protect the health, comfort, and environment of children. The bill addresses the concerns of District residents who have smelled cigarette smoke on playgrounds and play areas as well as witness adults smoking in these areas. Children should be afforded a safe and healthy environment in which to play,” said Councilmember Orange.
In addition, the “No Smoking” signs provision of the Smoking Restriction Act of 1979 shall be amended to require the owner, manager, or person in charge of the playground area to conspicuously post at minimum four signs at the 25-foot boundary of the playground or play area on the property. The sign shall state “smoking is not permitted on the playground or play area”.
Residential home owners or tenants who reside within 25 feet of a playground or play area will not be subjected to the smoking restriction.
Tags: DPR, playgrounds
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
Park View, D.C. 
February 21, 2013 at 8:33 am
I like this – it can be a tool to discourage loitering in the parks by shady adults who detract from a playground’s wholesome atmosphere.
February 21, 2013 at 12:04 pm
This is great news, especially for the Park View rec center and playground. There are currently “no smoking” signs posted near the covered areas, but on multiple occasions there has been cigarette as well as marijuana smoking in this area while we were visiting. Keep in mind that this is about 10 feet from the children’s play area. We have called MPD twice regarding this, but they did not respond either time while we remained at the park. Usually we just feel compelled to leave rather than subject our toddler to the smoke.
So, legislation is great. But enforcement would be better.