Tobacco-Free Signage Installed at Lewis & Clark Festival Park
New signage recently installed at Lewis & Clark Festival Park in The Dalles alerts the public to the park’s new status as a tobacco- and vape-free facility.
In all, five signs are placed throughout the park, including two larger ones at the entrance and on the building, and three smaller ones throughout the park. The Dalles City Council in May passed an ordinance carrying a $100 fine for smoking or vaping in the park.
It is expected that most people will comply with the new rule, but if police are called because someone is smoking or vaping, officers are expected to provide education on the ordinance first, and only issue a ticket as a last resort.
The new ordinance brings the city’s park in line with the nine other smoke-free parks in city limits that are run by the North Wasco County Parks & Recreation District.
The ordinance was adopted after a presentation by North Central Public Health District (NCPHD). The ordinance had the backing of numerous other area entities, including the Parks District, Northern Wasco County School District 21, YouthThink, and others.
Tobacco-free parks help prevent public exposure to harmful secondhand smoke, reduce litter and fire danger, help prevent youth from starting to use tobacco, and help people who have already quit to stay quit.
The signs were paid for by the city and NCPHD.
“We’re thrilled to see the signage up, since that is key to letting the public know about this new ordinance,” said Neita Cecil, Tobacco Prevention and Education Program Coordinator for NCPHD. “Having the park be tobacco- and vape-free will make it an even more enjoyable space for the public.”
“We’ve also used the signage to let the public know about our new free smoking cessation counseling and free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges,” Cecil said. The free service is offered to anyone in Wasco, Sherman and Hood River counties in a joint program with the Hood River County Prevention Department.
To sign up for the free cessation counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, please visit https://www.ncphd.org/tobacco-programs.
For more information, please contact North Central Public Health District at (541) 506-2600, visit us on the web at www.ncphd.org or find us on Facebook.)