We’ve seen smoking bans take place in restaurants and workplaces, but what about our city parks? A local group is pushing for a city ordinance in Wichita that would prohibit all tobacco use in public green space.
Play Healthy ICT believes the ban would make Wichita more progressive, and friendly to visitors. But some people who smoke tell KSN, it’s not a good idea.
“With the kids playing around, it’s just not something I want my kids exposed to,” said Jackie Ebert, Augusta.
“It’s open air, I don’t think it’s injuring anybody, I don’t think it’s hurting anybody,” said Kira Miller, Wichita.
Neighbors have mixed feelings on the idea of tobacco free parks in Wichita. It’s a policy Tara Nolen and others have been working on for months.
“Really hoping to be on the park board agenda in June to really discuss how we can move this forward,” said Tara Nolen, Tobacco Control Coordinator.
Nolen is with the Tobacco Free Wichita Coalition, a group that works to educate people on tobacco products. She says the ordinance would apply to cigarettes, e-cigs, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.
(Read more: Top Stories | KSNW)