Legislators, department officials, members of local parks and recreation boards, and community members will all benefit from discussions on the creation and implementation of policies prohibiting smoking in outdoor public places, including public sports and recreation facilities, children's playgrounds and tot-lots, parks, beaches, public gardens, and sports arenas or stadiums.

Key Points:

Understanding the dangers associated with smoking in public parks.

Understanding how to regulate smoking via legislation, regulations, official park policies, guidelines, and executive orders.

Understanding implementation challenges and how to avoid major roadblocks.

Gaining a comparative understanding of smoking policies in public parks across the country.

Learning Objectives:

Audience will learn from attorneys working in tobacco control through lecture and discussion. Information will enable participants to understand the legislative mechanisms which may be used to restrict smoking in public park settings. Upon completion, audience members will be able to conceptualize legislation and park policies, understand the process for enacting such regulations, and draw on local experiences in Maryland involving formation and implementation which they will be able to take back and use in their own jurisdictions.

Benefits:

The presentation will inform participants of the dangers associated with smoking in public parks, how to regulate such activity, and the unique challenges facing promulgation and implementation of outdoor smoking restrictions. The presentation will provide strategy and empower locals to control outdoor smoking in public parks in their communities.