Each year in Iowa, more than 4,000 people under the age of 18 become new daily smokers. More astonishingly, 66,000 youth who started smoking under 18 will ultimately die prematurely from tobacco use. Supporting tobacco-free parks and recreation areas sends an important message: tobacco use is unhealthy and unnecessary.

Implementing tobacco-free parks and outdoor areas is important for the following reasons:

• Parks promote healthy activities
  
  Community parks provide a variety of healthy, active and positive recreation opportunities to the community. Tobacco-free policies in public areas provide another opportunity to promote wellness.
• Children model adult behaviors
  
  Children who see adults using tobacco in a family-friendly place like a park or recreation area may think tobacco use is acceptable and are more likely to mimic the behavior. Tobacco-free policies encourage young people to make healthy choices. The more tobacco-free environments a community provides, the fewer opportunities for youth to start using tobacco.
• Secondhand smoke is dangerous
  
  Secondhand smoke is unhealthy and harmful to the well-being of others. Secondhand smoke levels in outdoor public places can be as dangerous as those found in indoor facilities where smoking is permitted.
• Cigarette litter is harmful
  
  Cigarette butts are one of the most common forms of litter found in outdoor areas. Discarded cigarettes pollute the land and water and may be ingested by children or animals. Cigarette butts are also a major cause of fire.

Community residents, city councils and parks and recreation departments can make a lasting impact on the tobacco use in their community when addressing tobacco use in public venues. If you are interested in working to create tobacco-free parks in your community, please contact us.