By Eric Stevick
Herald Writer
ARLINGTON — A message discouraging people from smoking will begin appearing in Arlington’s parks later this month.
Arlington is following Marysville’s lead in installing metal signs that read "For Our Kids —Tobacco Free Parks" and include the familiar smoking-prohibited icon.
To some observers, the signs could imply an enforcement authority behind them, but the signs carry no legal weight.
"There is nobody going to police this," Mayor Bob Kraski said. "This isn’t going to become an ordinance or a fineable offense."
The Arlington City Council passed a proclamation earlier this week supporting the use of the signs as part of an education program to protect children from the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke. The council did so at the recommendation of its Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission and in cooperation with the Snohomish Health District.
Some national studies estimate 3,000 nonsmokers die of lung cancer each year from exposure to secondhand smoke.
While the effects of secondhand smoke in closed-in areas has been documented, its health risk in outside, open areas is subject to debate.
"We are going to have them, just hoping it might deter some people from smoking, especially kids," said city administrator Kristin Banfield.
The signs will begin appearing May 31. After that, they will pop up at other parks.
The city is in the process of replacing signs that outline rules for each park. The tobacco-free signs will be installed with the rules signs.
Marysville became the first city in Snohomish County to install the signs in November. Several other cities have contacted Marysville since then.
"We have had zero comment on the negative side," said Jim Ballew, parks and recreation director for the city of Marysville. "We have had several comments from the community saying we are taking the step in the right direction. It’s educational more than anything."
You can call Herald Writer Eric Stevick at 425-339-3446 or send e-mail to stevick@heraldnet.com.
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