Smoking ban possible for Coos Bay parks
COOS BAY, Ore. – It could soon be butts out for smokers in Coos Bay city parks, as a new effort is underway by a group of concerned community members, including doctors, nurses and public health workers, to ban smokers from lighting up.
"It's simply a request to modify behavior that's actually in the park where lots of people bring families and children to play. It's about reducing people's exposure to second-hand smoke."
On Tuesday, Jennifer Stephens, a local personal trainer and Coos County Public Health employee, presented a proposal to the Coos Bay City Council, requesting a ban on smoking in all city parks.
"There were a variety of opinions on the council and frankly, a variety of opinions in the audience. Speaking for myself, I'm open to considering it," said Coos Bay Mayor Jeff McKeown.
If an ordinance were to be adopted, Coos Bay wouldn't be the first city in Oregon to do so.
Corvallis, Newport and even Bandon have similar ordinances already in place, banning smoking in public parks.
"It's really those steps in creating more smoke free environments, that have done a tremendous job in reducing smoking rates," said Stephens.
Park goers we talked to say, they're all for it.
"I think it's a great idea actually, because people shouldn't have to be forced to deal with other people smoking if they don't want to, and there's no reason to force it on other people," said park goer Jason Swieck.
"What's important is that people know this isn't an attack on smokers, and it in no way takes away a smokers rights," adds Stephens.
A proposed ordinance is being written up by the city.
McKeown said the ordinance could be brought to the council as soon as their Feb. 16 meeting, at which time it will be available for public comment.
"It's simply a request to modify behavior that's actually in the park where lots of people bring families and children to play. It's about reducing people's exposure to second-hand smoke."
On Tuesday, Jennifer Stephens, a local personal trainer and Coos County Public Health employee, presented a proposal to the Coos Bay City Council, requesting a ban on smoking in all city parks.
"There were a variety of opinions on the council and frankly, a variety of opinions in the audience. Speaking for myself, I'm open to considering it," said Coos Bay Mayor Jeff McKeown.
If an ordinance were to be adopted, Coos Bay wouldn't be the first city in Oregon to do so.
Corvallis, Newport and even Bandon have similar ordinances already in place, banning smoking in public parks.
"It's really those steps in creating more smoke free environments, that have done a tremendous job in reducing smoking rates," said Stephens.
Park goers we talked to say, they're all for it.
"I think it's a great idea actually, because people shouldn't have to be forced to deal with other people smoking if they don't want to, and there's no reason to force it on other people," said park goer Jason Swieck.
"What's important is that people know this isn't an attack on smokers, and it in no way takes away a smokers rights," adds Stephens.
A proposed ordinance is being written up by the city.
McKeown said the ordinance could be brought to the council as soon as their Feb. 16 meeting, at which time it will be available for public comment.
