In July 2013, Burlington City Council voted unanimously to amend Burlington’s smoking ordinance to prohibit smoking in specific kid-frequented ares of city parks.
Burlington’s Recreation and Parks director had received many complaints about secondhand cigarette smoke at parks’ play areas and youth athletic events. After a public hearing, the ban was put in place to protect children from harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
The smoking ban is in effect for the city’s playgrounds, swimming pools, restrooms, dressing areas, youth athletic fields, tennis courts, spectator areas, BMX track and amusement ride. Smoking will also not be allowed at concert areas.
Prior to the ban, students from Cumming High School picked up cigarette butts in Burlington’s parks. They collected 461 butts in Burlington parks alone and 1,477 in parks throughout the county. Supporters from SafeKids of Alamance County and Healthy Alamance’s Child Asthma Coalition also sent letters in support of the smoking ban.
The Community Transformation Grant Project is providing funding to purchase signs that will be placed in all City of Burlington parks.
Congratulations to Alamance County on this tobacco-free living success!
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