Shakopee Parks Go Tobacco-Free

Press release from the City of Shakopee:

July 30, 2020

Earlier this month, the Shakopee City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting tobacco use in all city-owned parks and shelters. The ordinance also prohibits smoking on the grounds of SandVenture Aquatic Park, Shakopee Ice Arena and the Shakopee Community Center.

The ordinance does not prohibit residents from using tobacco when inside their vehicles in a park.

The ordinance was proposed by Shakopee High School students taking part in a Generation Now class. The class, offered through the Academy of Human Services, invites students to partner with city and county officials to examine and propose solutions to local challenges facing the community.

Last spring, four students – Marissa Brown, Lily Fitch, Claire Flattum and Jacinda Kurian – researched ways to reduce tobacco use in city parks. To help curb an increase in tobacco use among younger adults, they recommended the city establish an ordinance prohibiting smoking in city parks.

The students touted both environmental and health benefits for prohibiting tobacco. Tobacco product litter is dangerous to birds, fish and children, and cigarette wastes are not biodegradable, remaining visible until they are removed.

The students’ presentation was reviewed by city staff to help draft a citywide ordinance. The city will be adding signage to ensure park visitors are aware of the new ordinance.

This press release was produced by the City of Shakopee. The views expressed here are the author’s own.