Hamden Bans Smoking at Town Parks and School Grounds

Hamden, CT — The Hamden Legislative Council this week approved an ordinance that bans the use of tobacco products at town parks, recreational facilities and public school grounds.

Mayor Curt Balzano Leng proposed the ordinance with a goal of enhancing the “health and safety of our residents and children by ensuring that Hamden’s parks, schools, and recreational areas remain free of the dangers of second-hand smoke.”

• To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.

The ordinance, which goes into effect Oct. 1, carries a $100 fine for violators.

“The health dangers associated with second-hand smoke are well known,” Leng said in a statement. “To be good stewards of our parks and work in the best interest of our residents, we must work together to provide safe, clean, recreation areas. No child should be subjected to second-hand smoke when they are trying to play on the jungle gym or participate in a sport.”

The ban includes electronic cigarettes and Marjorie Bonadies, R-9, was the lone council member to vote against the ordinance, saying it went too far and adding that there should be an exclusion for e-cigarettes, according to the New Haven Register.

Richard Leonardo, chairman of Hamden’s Parks & Recreation Commission, said he “wholeheartedly” supports the ordinance with the “hope of keeping our residents safe and healthy.”

Also see:

• School Bus Driver Charged with Sexually Assaulting Student; Cats Abandoned, 2 Found Dead; Private Island for Sale: CT News

The ban has received positive reviews from community youth sports groups.

“As president of the Hamden Soccer Association, I fully support the ordinance prohibiting tobacco use within town parks and recreational facilities,” Chris Ruggiero said in a statement. “Our players and spectators shouldn't be exposed to second-hand smoke while playing soccer. It is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for our children to enjoy.”

Vice President of the Hamden Fathers Baseball / Softball Association, Carl Sargolini, who also serves as the President of Hamden Youth Hockey Association, also supported the ordinance.

“It is time to take tobacco out of baseball once and for all,” he said in the press release. “Mayor Leng’s initiative is a great way to do that and it is also a great example for all of the kids in Hamden Fathers Baseball and Softball.”

Leslie Balch, Director of Quinnipiac Valley Health Department, said the ban was the right thing to do.

“I believe this effort will not only protect park users by decreasing the risk of exposure to the dangers of second hand smoke, but also set an example for our children by establishing tobacco use as an unacceptable behavior in our community,” Balch said. “The positive impact of this smoking ban can also be projected to include parks with less litter resulting in cleaner parks with decreased maintenance costs, teaching our children about healthy behavior, attracting residents to the parks to partake in increase physical activity, and improving the general wellbeing by providing attractive, healthier places to gather.”

The town will be posting “Tobacco Free Zone” signs this summer.

The ordinance is effective October 1, to allow time over the summer for a publicity campaign to let residents know why the ban was approved and how it and where it will be enforced.

Leng is asking residents and guests who are aware of the new ordinance to start “following the spirit of the new law immediately so that the goals of health and safety for our park participants can start as soon as possible.”

For the readers, what do you think about the new law? Let us know in the comments below: