I applaud the Parks and Recreation Commission considering banning tobacco products in our parks.
Parks are frequented by families, especially those with small children. Children are influenced in various ways by secondhand smoke. Not only is the smoke an issue, there are cigarette butts which are also a nuisance.
Most of our parks are also adjacent to grammar schools. Smoking has no place in an environment that is geared to small children. This is a step in the right direction.
Next, the commission should consider banning pesticides in our parks.
This article appears in Aug 14-21, 2008.