City of Madera:
LATEST NEWS

October 23, 2019

City’s smoking ban kicks butts (and vapes) out of its parks

On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, the Madera City Council unanimously voted to update existing regulations associated with smoking. The updates include the prohibition of smoking in all city park facilities. The new ordinance prohibits smoking in all public parks in the City of Madera, including electronic smoking devices.

This press event will provide information to the public about the benefits of smoke and vape-free environments and the latest tobacco control efforts in the city. It will conclude with a first-posting of new signage the City will begin implementing in all municipal parks.

The new smoking regulations expand the definition of smoking to include all electronic smoking devices, and includes the prohibition of smoking and vaping in public parks, picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, gardens, bike paths, riding trails, swimming pools, skate parks, and outdoor dining areas. The new regulations became effective June 15, 2019. These efforts were supported by the Madera County Department of Public Health, Madera County Tobacco Control Coalition and Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Youth Coalition members who spent many hours gathering signatures in support of smoke-free parks, collecting public opinion polls, and connecting with local organizations to secure resolution letters in support of smoke-free parks in the City of Madera.

EVENT SCHEDULE DETAILS:

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Location: Lions Town & Country Park (2300 Howard Road, Madera, CA 93637)
Time: Begins promptly at 11:15 am. Speakers will be available for interview after prepared comments.

Photo Opportunities:
• The SWAT Youth Coalition were instrumental in having these efforts adopted and implemented in the City of Madera. At the press event, SWAT students will share about their experience in advocating for stronger tobacco control policies in the City of Madera as well as personal stories on how tobacco has impacted their lives and the lives of their family members
• Placement of Smoke-Free signage at Lions Town & Country Park