Handsel Art
PRESS
RELEASE
Date: 4 July 2008
For
Immediate Release
Contact: J.R. Few at
(870) 427-1365 or email
Yellville City Park to
be Tobacco Free
The Yellville
Parks Board voted unanimously in favor of a tobacco free policy for Yellville
parks at a public meeting held in the City Chambers July 3rd
. The topic became part of
the discussion that adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act helped
Yellville’s chances for grant funding.
Tobacco Free Marion County program coordinator Julie Andersen noted that
exposure to tobacco smoke for those suffering from asthma was as much a barrier
as stairs to a person in a wheelchair.
Grant writer Paige Evans added that drifting smoke during ball games
caused her to wake up the next morning with a sore throat.
“This is a
great policy to adopt. “ Tobacco Free Marion County Chairperson, Jerry Strobel
says, “Not only will the park be safer for everyone but the city will have less
maintenance, a decreased risk of fire and liability for allowing tobacco harm,
and set an example to youth that tobacco use is just not OK.”
Earlier in
the week Bull Shoals Mayor Ron Richter made the Bull Shoals City Skate Park
smoke free. Boone County and Mountain Home City Parks
have tobacco free policies. On July 1
the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville joined colleges across the nation in
establishing a tobacco free campus, including sporting events.
Pi
ctured from left are Park Board
members: Lyn Baker, Tonya Lane, Lorna Goodwin, and Chairperson Don Page.
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