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Austin Tobacco-Free Outdoor Recreational Facilities Policy Whereas, the city of Austin believes that tobacco use in the proximity of children and adults engaging in or watching outdoor recreational activities at city owned or operated facilities is detrimental to their health and can be offensive to those using such facilities; and Whereas, the city of Austin has a unique opportunity to create and sustain an environment that supports a non-tobacco norm through a tobacco-free policy, rule enforcement, and adult-peer role modeling on city owned outdoor recreational facilities; and Whereas, the city of Austin believes parents, leaders, and officials involved in recreation are role models for youth and can have a positive effect on the lifestyle choices they make; and Whereas, the tobacco industry sponsors and advertises at recreational events to foster a connection between tobacco use and recreation; and Whereas, cigarettes, once consumed in public spaces, are often discarded on the ground, requiring additional maintenance expenses, diminishing the beauty of Austin's recreational facilities, and posing a risk to toddlers due to ingestion; and Whereas, the Austin Park and Recreation Board determines that the prohibition of tobacco use at Austin recreational facilities serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of our city. No person shall use any form of tobacco at or on any city-owned or operated outdoor recreational facilities, including restrooms, spectator and concession areas. These facilities include Marcusen Park, Sherman Park, Northwest Park, Todd Park, Decker Park, Horace Park, Crane Park, Bustad Park, Lafayette Park, Wildwood Park, Central Park, Municipal Park and Pool, Kaufman Park, Sutton Park, Galloway Park, Whittier Park, Cullen Park, South Grove Park, North Driesner Park, South Driesner Park, Shirley Theel Park, East Side Lake Park, Veterans Pavilion and the Austin Bike Trail system. 1. Appropriate signs shall be posted in the above-specif ied areas. 2. The community, especially facility users and staff will be notified about this policy. 3. Staff will make periodic observations of recreational facilities to monitor for compliance. 4. Any person found violating this policy, may be subject to immediate ejection from the recreational facility for the remainder of the event. This policy statement is effective immediately upon the date of adoption, 7/2/03.