Talking Points for Tobacco Free Parks & Public Areas……………………….
Local Examples of Tobacco Free Parks & Public Areas……………………….
Testimonials ………………………………………………….………………………………
Sample Policies……………………………………………………………………………….
Policy Enforcement Options……………………………………………………………
Local Champions & Partnership Directory……………………………………….
Marketing and Communication Support………………………………………….
Partnership for a Tobacco Free Cerro Gordo County………………………..
References ……………………………………………………………………………………


The cigarette filter – the whit fluffy stuff that looks like cotton – is actually plastic (cellulose acetate) which can take up to 15 years to decompose.*

Since all school districts already prohibit tobacco use at their outdoor facilities, a tobacco free policy for town owned outdoor facilities creates continuity and eliminates confusion about which facilities are tobacco free. A tobacco free policy also provides support to organizations that already have an existing policy and that use the towns’ facilities.

Cigarette butts and tobacco-related items make up 38% of all litter, creating costly clean up. With tobacco free policies, clean up costs decrease.

There are over 176,000,000 pounds of cigarette butts discarded in the U.S. each year. Cigarette butts are the most littered item on U.S. roadways, making up 38% of all littered items collected.

Cigarette butts are not biodegradable. Sunlight may eventually break down the filters into smaller pieces but they never fully disappear. The chemicals remain in the environment.

Ingesting one to five cigarettes can cause death in dogs and cats. Discarded butts and materials are washed into drains making their way into rivers and the ocean contaminating the water and killing wildlife. Those that are not washed into the waterways, contaminate the soil.

Exposure to secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death, killing 400 nonsmokers every year in Connecticut. There is no safe level of exposure.

The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.*

Exposer to concentrated amounts of secondhand smoke outdoors can cause respiratory irritation and may trigger asthma attacks.*

Secondhand smoke levels in outdoor public places can reach levels as high as those found in indoor facilities where smoking is permitted.

Cigarettes are poisonous when eaten by children, pets, and other animals leading to injury and death. Thousands of calls are made each year to American Poison Control Centers regarding children poisoned by ingesting cigarette butts.

Improperly discarded cigarettes and other smoking materials start fires. More than 900 people in the United States die each year in fires started by cigarettes, and about 2,500 are injured.
Nationally, annual human and property costs of fires caused by careless smoking total about $6 billion.


Communities throughout the United States are creating tobacco free outdoor facilities out of concern for the health of their citizens. Among Iowa counties, 17 already have tobacco and/or smoke free parks and public place policies.

Tobacco free policies establish the community norm that tobacco use is not an acceptable behavior for young people or adults.

In tobacco free environments, parents, coaches and other leaders become tobacco free role models that send a powerful message to youth that tobacco use is not part of a healthy lifestyle.

For years the tobacco industry has sponsored and advertised at sporting events, concerts and other entertainment, misguiding young people’s perception of tobacco use. Research indicates that sporting events expose youth to extensive tobacco use by people they view as positive role models.

We go to parks to play with our kids, to participate in sports, or to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Creating tobacco free parks is a way for communities to make outdoor spaces even more conducive to healthy living.*

By passing a law to create tobacco free parks, a city or county can take an important step to encourage healthy behaviors and make parks places where people can expect to be free from secondhand smoke.*

Smoke-free environments help adults model healthy behavior for kids, and can encourage people who smoke to smoke less or even quit.*

Local governments have the legal right to adopt laws to protect residents’ health and safety. This authority enables communities to adopt tobacco free laws to reduce exposure to harmful secondhand tobacco smoke.*

Cleanup of tobacco litter from sidewalks, streets and recreational areas is costly. A San Francisco litter audit study found the cost for clean-up of tobacco litter to be more than $7 million annually.
Taxpayers and local authorities bear the cost of cleaning.

Laws restricting smoking in parks are, for the most part, self-enforcing, which means that people
“police” themselves and cooperate with the law.*
 When people know they aren’t supposed to smoke in a particular place, they generally comply.
Knowledgeable community members also can help educate those who don’t know about the law.*

Posting No Smoking or No Tobacco signs at park entrances, in playground and picnic areas, and next to sports fields are important ways to provide clear and constant reminders about the smoke/tobacco free law.*

Media events, press releases, newsletter articles, website highlights, and brochures are all great ways to inform and remind the public about the health-promoting policy.*

While laws creating smoke free parks rely primarily on public cooperation, it is also important that a law include enforcement language, such as fines and other penalties, to show that a violation carries real consequences.*

The following counties in Iowa all have communities with smoke free and/or tobacco free parks and public areas.
Source: Iowa Department of Public Health Tobacco-Free Environments listing
LOCALLY:
In Cerro Gordo County, the Mason City Recreation’s Norris Youth Softball
Complex enforces a nicotine free policy. No tobacco or nicotine products are allowed on the premise.

“Our department received many positive comments from users with small children and those with lung conditions and allergies. Not allowing smoking in our parks has made them significantly cleaner.”
Perry, Iowa Parks and Recreation Office Associate
“Passing our tobacco free parks policy was very simple, as it complimented the Smoke
Free Air Act, which many of our residents thought already covered parks and public places.”
Prairie City, Iowa City Administrator
Need more testimonials!

For Tobacco Free Outdoor Recreational Facilities
WE SUPPORT TOBACCO-
FREE POLICIES FOR OUR COMMUNITY’S OUTDOOR
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

Tobacco use in the proximity of children and adults is detrimental to their health.

Our recreational organizations have a unique opportunity to create and sustain an environment that supports a non-tobacco norm through a tobacco free policy for our commun ity’s outdoor recreational facilities.

Parents, leaders, and officials are role models for youth and can have a positive effect on the lifestyle choices they make.

Cigarettes, once consumed in public spaces, are often discarded on the ground requiring additional maintenance expenses, diminishing the beauty of our community’s facilities, and posing a risk to toddlers and wildlife due to ingestion.
 Prohibiting tobacco use at our community’s recreational facilities serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of our community.
[Name/Organization] [Name/Organization]
"[Phone Number/Email]"
[Name/Organization]
"[Phone Number/Email]"
[Name/Organization]
"[Phone Number/Email]"
[Name/Organization]
"[Phone Number/Email]"
"[Phone Number/Email]"
[Name/Organization]
"[Phone Number/Email]"
[Name/Organization]
"[Phone Number/Email]"
[Name/Organization]
"[Phone Number/Email]"

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF "[City Name]"
ADOPTING A TOBACCO FREE POLICY
FOR THE CITY’S PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
Whereas , On DATE the Cerro Gordo County Public Health Department and partners made a presentation to the "[City Name]" City Council requesting that the City of "[City Name]" adopt a Tobacco-
Free policy for all City Parks and outdoor recreational facilities, and:
Whereas , Tobacco-Free Park and Recreational policies and ordinances have been adopted by approximately 29 local governments throughout the State of Iowa, and:
Whereas , The City Council of the City of "[City Name]" hereby finds that the following reasons support the need for a Tobacco-Free Policy within the City of "[City Name]" s: a) Tobacco use within the proximity of children and adults engaging in or watching recreational activities can be detrimental to their health. b) Following use, tobacco products are often discarded on the ground, posing a risk of ingestion to young children and animals, and causing significant litter problems requiring additional maintenance expense. c) Parents, coaches and other adult leaders serve as role models, and their use of tobacco has a negative effect on the lifestyle choices made by youth. d) Each School District in Cerro Gordo County has a policy prohibiting tobacco use on all school property and through adoption of a similar tobacco policy by the City of
"[City Name]" for all City parks and outdoor recreational facilities; all persons are sent a consistent message that tobacco use is not welcome on these grounds. e) The prohibition of tobacco use at the city’s Parks and outdoor recreational facilities serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of all the citizens of the City of
"[City Name]" .
Now, Therefore be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of "[City Name]" , as follows:
1) Effective DATE, all City owned or operated Parks and Outdoor Recreational facilities are hereby declared as tobacco free and all users shall refrain from using any tobacco product on any of these City owned or operated parks and outdoor recreational facilities.
2) For purposes of this policy only, the [campus] shall be considered a Park, and declared a tobacco free area throughout the grounds of the [campus].
3) Appropriate signs will be posted in designated areas of Parks and Outdoor Recreational facilities, and the [campus], open spaces and trails, indicating that said facilities are
Tobacco Free.
4) The community will be notified of this policy through various communication channels.
5) City staff will make periodic observations of parks and outdoor recreational facilities to monitor for compliance of this policy.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of "[City Name]"
This [7th] Day of [May] , [2015]
Ayes:
Nays:
___________________
"[Mayor's Name]" , Mayor
______________________
"[City Administrator's Name]" , City Administrator

WHEREAS , the City of [City] , Iowa, maintains public parks and facilities for the use and enjoyment of its citizens, their families and people who visit our community, and wants those who use our parks to get the maximum enjoyment and benefit from its use;
AND WHEREAS , the use of tobacco products in the presence of, and in proximity to, those utilizing these parks, particularly children, serves to diminish the enjoyment derived from the use of our public parks;
AND WHEREAS , the use of tobacco products in public parks presents various health risks to persons using the parks, including the dangers of secondary smoke and the discarded material which can be handled and ingested by children;
AND WHEREAS , it is the belief that all citizens should be good role models for those children to see adults publicly enjoying the parks without the use of tobacco products;
AND WHEREAS , the Recreation Department has administrative protocols in place at all indoor recreation facilities, and spectator areas in outdoor facilities, which comply with the Iowa Smoke Free Air Act;
AND WHEREAS , park and recreation facilities that are the site of youth activities and events inclusively include the Recreation Department facilities of "[list recreational complexes and parks]" , and the leased areas for "[list leased recreational areas and parks]" ;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF [City] , IOWA, that pursuant to the Iowa Smoke Free Air Act, tobacco use is prohibited on any city-owned, outdoor recreational facilities and parks when structured youth activities and events are in progress.
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED , that the local Partnership for a Tobacco Free Cerro Gordo County is hereby authorized to notify and publicize this policy to the community and facility users, and, at their expense, provide and post adequate signage to notify the public of this policy in consultation with, and site location approval by, the Superintendent of Grounds and Facilities.
BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that any person violating this policy will be instructed either to discontinue the use of tobacco products on the property or to leave said property. If the person fails to discontinue the use of tobacco products or leave the property, then said person’s right to be present on said property will terminate and a trespassing or violation/complaint can be made to law enforcement.
__________________ , MAYOR
ATTEST:
_______________________
CITY CLERK
ADPOTED: _____________________

A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TOBACCO-FREE PARKS AND
TRAILS POLICY FOR THE CITY OF "[City Name]" , IOWA
WHEREAS, Section 142D.3 of the Code of Iowa (the Smokefree Air Act) prohibits smoking in public places, including the following out-door areas: (a) the seating areas of outdoor sports arenas and (b) the grounds of any public buildings owned or under the control of a city; and
WHEREAS, Section 142D.4 of the Code of Iowa establishes certain areas where smoking is not regulated, such as outdoor areas that are places of employment, except where smoking is prohibited by Section 142D.3; and
WHEREAS, Section 142D.5 of the Code of Iowa permits anyone having custody or control of an area otherwise exempt from the smoking prohibitions to declare the entire area as a tobacco-free place; and
WHEREAS , the City of "[City Name]" , Iowa, maintains public parks and trails for the use and enjoyment of its citizens, their families and people who visit our community; and
WHEREAS , the use of tobacco products in the presence of and in proximity to those utilizing the parks and trails, particularly the children using the parks and trails, serves to diminish the enjoyment derived from the use of our public parks and trails; and
WHEREAS , the use of tobacco products in public parks and trails presents various health risks to persons using the parks and trails, including the dangers of secondary smoke and the discarded material which can be handled and ingested by children; and
WHEREAS , cigarettes, once consumed in public spaces, are often discarded on the ground requiring additional maintenance expenses, diminish the beauty of the City of "[City Name]" parks and recreational facilities, and pose a risk to toddlers due to ingestions; and
WHEREAS , a tobacco-free parks and trails policy will complement the current city smoke-free policy in
City owned buildings and the "[City Name]" Community School District tobacco-free building and grounds policy and will eliminate any confusion; and
WHEREAS , for the purpose of this Policy tobacco is defined as any smoking or spit tobacco product, including any lit or unlit cigarette, cigar, blunt, bidi, clove cigarette, e-cigarette, pipe, chewing tobacco, dissolvable tobacco, dip, snuff or snus. This includes any other product or item containing or reasonable resembling tobacco or tobacco products.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
"[City Name]" , IOWA, that pursuant to the authority granted by Section 142D.5 of the Code of Iowa, tobacco use is prohibited in all City of "[City Name]" parks, trails, and outdoor recreational facilities at all times. No person shall use any form of tobacco at or on any City-owned or operated outdoor park, trail, or facility, which includes, but is not limited to, any park, playground, athletic field and complex, skate park, aquatic areas, shelters, restrooms, trails and parking lot areas. Tobacco-Free signs shall be posted in all parks, trails, and facilities that conform to the requirements of Section 142D.6 of the Code of Iowa.
IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that this Policy will be enforced in the following ways: (a) Appropriate signs shall be posted in the above specified areas; (b) The community, especially park and facility users and staff, will be notified about this Policy; (c) City officials, City employees, parents, coaches and park users are asked to help enforcing the compliance to this Policy by bringing the Policy to the attention of the persons violating the
Policy; and (d) Any person found violating this Policy at an organized event, especially a youth event, will be asked to cease use of tobacco or leave the city park or facility premises.
This tobacco free park policy shall be effective immediately upon passage on this _____ day of
_____________________, 2014.

OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
WHEREAS, "[Town Name]" believes that tobacco use in the proximity of children and adults at
"[Town Name]" facilities is detrimental to their health and can be offensive to those using such facilities; and
WHEREAS, "[Town Name]" has a unique opportunity to create and sustain an environment that supports a nontobacco norm through a tobacco-free policy, rule enforcement, and adult-peer role modeling on
"[Town Name]" outdoor recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, "[Town Name]" believes parents, leaders, and officials involved in recreation are role models for youth and can have a positive effect on the lifestyle choices they make; and
WHEREAS, the tobacco industry has a long history of sponsoring and advertising at recreational events to foster a connection between tobacco use and recreation; and
WHEREAS, cigarettes, once consumed in public spaces, are often discarded on the ground, requiring additional maintenance expenses, diminishing the beauty of the "[Town Name]" ‘s recreational facilities, and posing a risk to toddlers due to ingestion; and
WHEREAS, the "[Town Name]" Park and Recreation Board determines that the prohibition of tobacco use at their recreational facilities serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of our City.
Section 1: Tobacco use prohibited in outdoor recreational facilities
No person shall use any form of tobacco including electronic smoking devices at or on any
"[Town Name]" -owned or operated outdoor recreational facilities, including the restrooms, parking lots, spectator and concession areas.
These facilities include "[insert specific facilities here]" .
Section 2: Enforcement

Appropriate signs shall be posted in the above specified areas.

The community, especially facility users and staff, will be notified about this policy.

Staff will make periodic observations of recreational facilities to monitor for compliance.

Any person found violating this policy may be subject to immediate ejection from the recreation facility for the remainder of the event and/or a $[XX] fine.
Section 3: Effective Date
This policy statement is effective immediately upon the date of adoption.
"[Appropriate City Official]" [Date]

OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
I. Guideline Statement
"[Town Name]" parks and recreational complexes are intended for the healthy enjoyment of all citizens, including children and youth.
II. Findings

Parks and recreational complexes are essential, health-promoting environments that can provide low to no cost opportunities for play, physical activity, greater family and community connection, stress reduction, and access to improved nutrition.

Tobacco Free parks and recreational complexes send a message to youth that being tobacco free is consistent with a healthy environment and lifestyle. Parents, leaders, coaches, and officials involved in recreation are role models for youth and can have a positive effect on the lifestyle choices they make.

The Surgeon General has concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. The negative health consequences associated with exposure to secondhand smoke include increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, and eye and nasal irritation.

Cigarettes and other tobacco products, once consumed in public places, are often discarded on the ground requiring additional maintenance expenses, diminishing the beauty of recreational facilities, and posing a risk to toddlers and/or animals due to ingestion.
III. Definitions
For purposes of this policy, the terms set forth below shall have the following meanings:
1. “Tobacco product” means any product containing tobacco in any form.
2. “Unapproved nicotine delivery product” means any product containing or delivering nicotine intended or expected for human consumption that has not been approved or otherwise certified for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a tobacco use cessation product.
3. “Parks and recreational complexes” means any property under the jurisdiction of the
"[Town Name]" parks department.
IV. Tobacco-Free Parks Policy
1. The use of tobacco or unapproved nicotine delivery products is prohibited in all parks and recreational complexes at all times.
2. The "[Town Name]" Parks Department shall prominently post and maintain signage in all parks and recreational complexes indicating that tobacco use is prohibited.
3. The Parks Department shall publicize the tobacco-free policy on its website and other promotional materials.
4. The Parks Department shall amend its permits and rental agreements (governing the private use of parks department facilities such as playing fields and shelters) to reflect that compliance with the tobacco-free park policy is a condition of the permit or lease.
5. Parks Department employees shall be authorized to enforce the tobacco-free policy by asking persons found to be in violation of the policy to discontinue tobacco use or leave the park or recreational complex.
V. Effective Date
This policy is effective immediately upon the date of adoption.
"[Appropriate City Official]" [Date]

TOBACCO FREE FACILITIES POLICY STATEMENT
The City of "[City Name]" is committed to the quality of life for all residents, therefore, we believe that:
1. Tobacco product use in proximity of children, youth and adults engaging in or watching recreational activities is unhealthy and detrimental to the health of others.
2. Tobacco products once consumed in public spaces are often discarded on the ground, thus posing a risk of ingestion to toddlers and causing a litter problem.
3. As parents, leaders and coaches, and officials we are thought of as role models, and the use of tobacco products around youth has a negative effect on their lifestyle choices
TOBACCO-FREE FACILITIES
The City of "[City Name]" does not allow the use of tobacco products on City-owned parkland, park facilities, open space, trails, or outside the City Arena, Senior Citizen Center, and Civic Theatre at the immediate entrances to these facilities.
COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
The emphasis on enforcing the Tobacco-Free park policy is through voluntary compliance:
1. Sings will be posted at City owned parks, trails and open spaces
2. City staff will make periodic observations of park land, trails, facilities, and open spaces to monitor compliance
3. Youth athletic associations that utilize city owned facilities will be asked to commit to enforcing this policy during all scheduled events
4. Support community education programs implemented to assist in enforcing and publicizing this policy.
Policy Recommendation Date:
Policy Adoption Date: By City Council on

PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT
Penalties
The "[City Council/Board of Supervisors]" recommends the penalty for violating this regulation be $25.00 for the first offense and $100.00 for subsequent offenses within a two year period of the first violation.
Enforcement of Penalties
Any peace officer or city code enforcement officer may enforce the penalty of this regulation.
Enforcement Provisions
 Designate that the ordinance will be enforced by _____ but also enforceable by peace officer or code enforcement officer
 Declare violations based on illegal smoking [or tobacco use] to be infractions with a fixed fine amount of $________(cannot be more than $100)
 Declare other violations of the ordinance to be an infraction or a misdemeanor, decided at the discretion of the prosecuting attorney
 Allow the city or county to file a civil action for any violation: o Seeking monetary fine (civil fine can be up to $1,000) o Seeking injunctive relief or nuisance abatement
 Declare that violation of the ordinance constitutes a nuisance
 Allow private citizens to get an injunction against individuals or businesses for repeat violations of the ordinance

Here is a list of community residents who are supportive of tobacco free public places and parks. They would be willing to attend board meetings and assist in support of tobacco free policy proposal activities.
Angela Determan Blue Zones Project Program Manager
Candice Korth
Dr. David Haas
NIACC Student
Community Supporter
Dr. Kathleen Voortman
Jenny Thada
Karen Johnson
Kelli Huinker
Pat Otto
Penny McCaslin
Rebecca Askildson
Sara Udelhofen
Sarah Swegle
Local Healthcare Provider
Community Supporter
Community Supporter
CGC Health Dept. Health Promotion Mgr.
MC Neighborhood Services Coordinator
CGC Health Dept. Tobacco Program Coord.
Community Supporter
Community Supporter, Partnership Member
Parker Woods Playground Champion
Contact information for Community Champions can be obtained by contacting the Tobacco Prevention Program Coordinator at the Cerro
Gordo County Health Department - 641-421-9329

The Partnership for a Tobacco Free Cerro Gordo County has outlined several communication strategies to help cities, counties, and organizations promote their newly adopted Tobacco /
Smoke Free policies to the public. Good communication increases awareness and compliance.
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health also offers signage to organizations for posting around parks, public housing, worksites, and schools to help increase visibility of policies and aid in enforcement.
Communication Ideas:

Newspaper Editorials

Television Media Coverage

School Announcements

Educate local law enforcement and city officials on policy

Educate neighborhood residents near affected parks and public areas

Mailers, Flyers
 Notices on “Water Bills”

Local Community Television Channel PowerPoint Slides

Celebration Day or Open House Event at the Park/Facility
» Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/)
» Tobacco Free Youth Recreation: Parks and Outdoor Recreation Areas
(http://www.tobaccofreeparks.org/)
» Smoke-Free Parks (Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights)
(http://www.no-smoke.org/)
» Iowa Smoke Free Air Act (http://www.iowasmokefreeair.gov/)
» State of Tobacco Control Grade Reports (www.stateoftobaccocontrol.org)

Contact the Cerro Gordo County Health Department for signs:
# 641-421-9329

Est. 2000
Community Relations Coordinator
Tobacco Program Coordinator
Health Promotion Manager
Public Information Officer
Fresh Start Facilitator
Program Manager
Executive Director
Program Coordinator
Alternative School Principal
Asst. Superintendent
Youth Coordinator
Prevention Specialist

Map of Tobacco/Smoke Free Environments in Iowa:
Iowa Department of Public Health Tobacco Webpage Portal
Talking Points:
Public Health Law & Policy – Support for Smokefree Parks
Policies, Resolutions, Enforcement Sample Documents:
City of Clinton, Iowa
City of Windsor Heights, Iowa
Living & Playing Tobacco Free–Connecticut Department of Public Health
Tobacco Free Youth Recreation Program - Minnesota