New signs installed, receptacles removed

The Kent City Council passed a resolution that makes smoking, vaping or any use of tobacco products on park property unlawful. The smoking ban excludes the Riverbend Golf Course facility.

This prohibition includes both noncombustible products, like e-cigarettes or other vaping devices that produce smoke or vapor, and dipping tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff or snus; and combustible products, like paper cigarettes, cigarillos or cigars, pipes and hookahs.

If the product emits smoke, or vapor, or contains tobacco, it is prohibited under the new ordinance.

“The city of Kent is a little behind this trend,” said Parks director, Julie Parascondola. “We want our parks to be tangible reflections of the high quality of life in our community.”

The ban went into effect on August 15. Signs will be placed in all city parks and park facilities to alert the public of the change.

“We understand that we can’t prevent people from smoking, but promoting healthier lifestyle choices aligns directly with our mission of fostering overall wellness for Kent residents and parks’ visitors,” Parascondola said.

More than 1,200 park systems across the country are smoke-free. Kent becomes the fifth city in King County to enact a smoking ban on all parks. The five cities include Bothell, Burien, Shoreline and Woodinville, making up 16 percent of King county residents, or 290,400 people.

[Source: Dana Neuts, Communications Consultant to the City of Kent]

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter

Michelle Gehlman-Teeter is a writer and photographer from Kent, Washington. Michelle is a contributor to iLoveKent.net. She loves to find interesting places to go and fun things to do and share them with her readers. Click links to see her writing, photography or Facebook page.