Success Story - Parks Policy
May 2006
Describe the related Annual Action Plan activity
Tobacco-Free Parks Policy Launch and Sign Unveiling
Author & Community
Cheryl Pfaff, Initiatives Coordinator
Community Choices
Clark County Washington
Steps cost, or resources used
$10,000 to produce signs
Staff participation in planning meetings
In-kind, or community contribution
$10,000 cash plus thousands in-kind
Partners
Clark County Health Department Tobacco Unit
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department
Clark County Board of Commissioners
Vancouver City Council
Disease and/or Risk factor
Asthma and exposure to second-hand smoke.
Date
11/15/05
Public Health Problem: describe the problem, such as rate of diabetes, asthma, etc. Program Example: describe how your program addressed this problem. Describe steps taken to achieve the activity.
On November 15, 2005 the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department unveiled signs designed by local elementary school students designating playgrounds, ball fields, beaches, concerts, and public restrooms in parks “tobacco-free”. The unveiling was the culmination of a process suggested by a group of student leaders and led by the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and recently adopted by the Clark County Board of Commissioners and the Vancouver City Council.
The policy requests voluntary compliance in keeping specific areas in city and county parks tobacco-free. Local elementary students designed the artwork for the 18x24 inch signs. Steps to a Healthier Clark County and the Clark County Health Department each provided $10,000 grants to produce 300 signs, posts and hardware.
Implications and Impact of activity described: describe the impact on data, policies, etc.
Other communities have experienced a decline in smoking in outdoor public areas when signs requesting voluntary compliance with a smoke-free policy are posted. Exposure to second-hand smoke will be reduced in Clark County and Vancouver City Parks and other public venues. Youth will observe fewer adults smoking and smokers will have fewer places to smoke.
Describe the activity as an accomplishment or success, a promising practice, or a “lesson learned,” or a demonstration of a “best practice”: Would you recommend this activity for other communities? Why?
The policy adoption is a success from the Clark County community perspective and a promising practice. Communities from as far away as Australia have requested information about the process and policy adoption.
Describe how this activity relates to sustainable policy change in your community, if applicable.
This policy is consistent with a community policy/norm supporting smoke-free outdoor environments.
