News
E-cigs banned at parks and rec facilities
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Lincoln Journal-Star
A city advisory board approved a policy change Thursday banning the use of electronic cigarettes in all Lincoln Parks and Recreation facilities.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board changed language in its Play Tobacco Free policy, which already prohibited the use of tobacco products in all outdoor parks and recreation facilities.
The ban applies to all city playgrounds, skate parks, picnic shelters, outdoor swimming pools and aquatics facilities, ballfields, multi-use sports fields, concession stands, outdoor performance venues and recreation centers. It also will apply to the Pioneers Park Nature Center, Jim Ager Golf Course and the fenced area of Pinewood Bowl, which will have a designated smoking area away from seating.
The move to prohibit use of the battery-operated devices follows similar bans last month by the county-city Health Department and the Lancaster County Board. The Public Building Commission, which oversees buildings owned jointly by the city and county, approved a similar ban earlier this week.
Parks and Rec Advisory Board member Bob Ripley said the use of e-cigarettes in public places can confuse people, especially children, and send a message that the city allows smoking in public places.
The lack of research on the health effects of the devices also poses a public health concern, said board member and City Councilman Jonathan Cook.
“We have no idea what chemicals are in it,” he said. “There are real health issues.”
Prior to Thursday's vote, Dorothy Skorupa, director of the F Street Community Center, said staff members were unable to stop people from using e-cigarettes in the center. She said some people used them while playing pool.
“We would love to see them banned from centers,” she said.
