Walla Walla considers smoking ban in parks

WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla may join the list of cities that have banned smoking in public parks.

City officials plan to discuss the possibility at a community meeting Tuesday. A previous meeting drew passionate pleas from people on both sides of the debate.

Some smokers say they already feel under siege with high cigarette taxes and they don’t feel it’s fair to be told where they can smoke.

Supporters of a smoking ban say people going outside to use a park deserve to breathe clean, smoke-free air.

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reported the city is considering both a complete ban on smoking in parks and a less-restrictive policy prohibiting cigarettes near playgrounds and other children’s facilities.

Cities including Portland and Seattle have recently passed bans on smoking in parks.