The attached ordinance prohibits tobacco products at parks and recreation facilities in Roeland Park.  It would take affect 30 days following passage.

The link below takes you to a site which summarizes steps taking by other Kansas Communities to limit/prohibit smoking/tobacco/vaping in or around parks.

https://publichealthlawcenter.org/sites/default/files/resources/Tobacco-Free-Parks-Policies-Kansas-2019.pdf

The site also provides arguments in support of taking such action.

Below is the result of the 2019 Citizen Survey question on this topic:

The Parks and Trees Committee has discussed restricting smoking in parks prior to the question being included in the survey in 2019.  At their meeting on 2/11/21 they again discussed the topic.  The recommended limiting smoking within so many feet of prescribed park features (playgrounds, restrooms, courts, shelters etc).  The City Attorney notes that restricting smoking to designated areas would be a cleaner approach.  Staff notes that signage will be necessary regardless of the approach (ban in all location, ban within so many feet of amenities, or restrict to designation smoking locations).  A complete ban would likely require fewer signs and be simpler to communicate and enforce.

Staff estimates the cost of installing signs at each of the impacted locations will cost around $1,500 (for 15 signs).