New Smoking Ban May Prohibit Smoking at Seattle Public Parks

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Seattle's current laws limiting smoking, chewing and other tobacco use within 25 feet of beaches and playgrounds, park play areas other park patrons may soon prohibit smoking in public parks altogether.  

Mayor Ed Murray is requesting the Board of Park Commissioners to approve a rule prohibiting smoking in public parks in Seattle.

"We are asking the Board of Park Commissioners to consider this issue because smoking is incongruous with our values of healthy parks and healthy people," explained Christopher Williams, acting Seattle Parks and Recreation superintendent, notes The Seattle Times. Williams added that smokers in the park spoil visitor's healthful outdoor recreation.

Parks-department spokeswoman, Joelle Hammerstad, said that the new rule wouldn't affect the use of e-cigarettes and Vape pens as they are expected to help people quit regular cigarette smoking. The Mayor appreciated the idea and said that it's the right thing to do. He also added that "Residents of and visitors to our beautiful city deserve to fully enjoy every amenity our parks have to offer, including fresh air and a clean, sustainable environment," according to The Seattle Times.

Peter Kinev, a cigar smoker, said that it's his option and he wishes to do what he wants to do while lighting a cigar at Westlake Park where he played chess regularly. He also added that he always makes sure to stay away from children in the playground, noted Komonews.

Lindsey Anderson, 21, at Denny Park said that "I smoke myself in the park. I make sure I don't smoke if there's someone on the bench next to me. I go to another bench or walk over to a tree. I respect peoples' space, but I do think people have a right to smoke," said The Seattle Times.

A visitor at the Cal Anderson Park said that the purpose of ones' visit to the park is to breathe in the clean air and not the smoke. The visitor also added that the ban on smoking in the park is a good thing especially since kids frequent parks second hand smoke is very bad for the health, said Komonews.  

Peter Nice, 45 and doesn't smoke, commented on the issue that hardworking people in low economy category visit the park, smoke and relax with each other. He also added that he sympathize such people and it would be nice if they are granted that little pleasure in case of their time away from children, reported The Seattle Times .