Little Rock Parks Move to Smoke Free

ANNOUNCEMENT:

For the past twenty months or better, the Coalition for A Tobacco Free Arkanas lead the efforts along with American Heart Association and many other health partners and supporters, including the YES Team members worked with the City of Little Rock on a smoke-free parks policy. Speaking specifically, community advocate, Joe Arnold is to be commended for his relentless efforts to gain a smoke-free park policy for those who suffer from severe respiratory problems whereby they are prevented from enjoying the many activities offered in Little Rock Parks. But on October 1, 2009 things will change---October 1st is the date Little Rock’s smoke-free/tobacco free policy goes into effect. The entire public, many who suffer from heart and other chronic diseases will now be able to enjoy the great outdoors without concern of secondhand smoke exposure that can trigger a heart attack.

On July 15, 2009, City Manager, Bruce Moore took a giant pro-health step---he approved the proposed departmental smoke-free/tobacco free parks policy for all Little Rock parks including golf courses. The tobacco-free policy approved by Mr. Moore came via a recommendation from the very progressive Park Commission.

Let’s thank Mr. Moore and the Park Commission for setting the example that parks are meant to promote community wellness and tobacco free policies fit with this idea. Tobacco-free policies establish the community norm that tobacco use is not an acceptable behavior for young people or adults.