Skip to comments.

Posted on 02/21/2004 7:55:41 AM PST by SheLion

Jane William isn't impressed by people who smoke by the basketball courts at Portland's Payson Park, but she says other teenagers may be getting the wrong message.

"I think it smells," William, a lanky, 14-year-old, said forcefully. "They want to be cool."

A proposal going before city councilors next week takes aim at youths' smoking by calling for "tobacco-free zones" at city athletic fields and playgrounds, and during events at parks.

No one would police the zones or issue fines, say the city officials behind the proposal, because those elements would require manpower and a change to city ordinances.

But if city councilors approve the measure, signs would mark areas as "tobacco-free" and Parks and Recreation employees would pass out tiny cards that might read "You are welcome at our Tobacco-Free Field . . . but tobacco is not!"

Compliance would be voluntary, but the idea still burns some smokers. They consider the outdoors the last place they can smoke freely in Portland, since tobacco was outlawed at workplaces, restaurants and, beginning this year, bars.

"I think it's kind of stupid - I mean, the smoking's outside," said Mandy Ryan, a 21-year-old gas station cashier. "The responsibility should be put on parents to teach them not to smoke."

Smokers who are trying to quit, however, see some value in the proposal.

"I have five boys and some of them smoke," said Judy Ruffino, Ryan's co-worker. "They copied me, and I think I copied my mother."

The plan's supporters stress that the goal is not to make life difficult for smokers, but to further promote tobacco-free lifestyles for Portland children and reduce their exposure to secondhand smoke. Already, Portland schools prohibit smoking on school property, including playgrounds.

"If (youths) see tobacco use as a normal part of what's going on, they're more likely to see tobacco use as a normal part of life for them," said Richard Veilleux, a program coordinator for the city's Health and Human Services Department.

Since last fall, the city's health and Parks & Recreation officials have worked with community health experts on the proposed resolution, which does not yet have a cost estimate or a funding source.

The public can comment on the proposal when the City Council's health and human services committee meets at 5 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. The committee will decide whether to recommend passage to the full council.

During the last decade, tobacco-free areas have proliferated across the country. At least a dozen other communities in Maine have them, including Bath, Brunswick, Gorham and Westbrook.

Tobacco-free zones are popular because they work, according to supporters. Brunswick made its playing fields and trails tobacco-free 18 months ago, and has seen significant results.

"We're picking up a lot fewer tobacco products after adult leagues," said Parks and Recreation Director Tom Farrell.

Portland's proposed program is modeled largely after Brunswick's, but Portland may not post the same type of blue and red signs that the state provides for free.

Don Brewer, Portland's assistant parks and recreation director, said the city would consult with the historic and parks preservation groups on the design of the signs, and hire translators so the message would be understood by immigrants.

Portable signs would be created for events such as the Festival of Nations held at Deering Oaks, but are unlikely to appear at a massive affair like the Fourth of July celebration along the Eastern Promenade, Brewer said.

The proposal's creators considered making smoking at tobacco-free zones a violation, as it is in Westbrook, but decided that was unrealistic. Year-round, there are only two full-time park rangers who oversee several parks, 19 playing fields and 27 playgrounds, including those operated by the schools.

But Brewer foresees gradually expanding the program.

William, who attends King Middle School, said she likes the idea of banning smoking from more places outdoors because kids her age don't realize that behavior is unhealthy.

"They see what adults do, and ask, 'Why can't I do that?' "

Julia McCue, staff researcher, contributed to this story.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.