Moms of Fredericksburg Petition for Smoke-Free Public Playgrounds

Most Fredericksburg families with young children spend a considerable amount of time enjoying outdoor activities at our local public playgrounds. Our family generally rotates between the different parks to provide some variety. Just recently, while enjoying the few last days of summer vacation, I took my kids to the Old Mill Park in downtown Fredericksburg. This wasn’t our first time there, and I’m very sorry to say, it wasn’t the first time we’ve had to endure someone smoking a cigarette nearby. As a matter of fact, each time we visit the Old Mill Park, we’re eventually forced to leave because someone is smoking a cigarette in close proximity to the kids. It really is such a shame too since this particular park is an excellent place for outdoor activities. The photo below depicts EXACTLY what, and who, deters me from wanting to visit Old Mill Park.

Come on, folks! Is it REALLY necessary to puff on a cigarette less than 6 feet from several children enjoying a beautiful day by climbing and sliding on the play gym? (Note* Just a pinch of sarcasm implied) Not to mention, kids who don’t know any better, will pick up the filthy remnants of this unappreciated activity. To be more specific, our request is for each and every playground in Fredericksburg City and Spotsylvania County to have a buffer zone within which no smokers shall be. This “no smoking zone” should create an appropriate safety net around those areas most frequented by children, ie, playgrounds, slides, swings, etc.

According to the National Cancer Institute, secondhand smoke (a/k/a involuntary smoke, and passive smoke) contains harmful cancer-causing chemicals. The Virginia Tobacco Use Control Project also reports that children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke because of smaller airways, higher breathing rates, and less mature immune systems.

Is there a mother out there who would disagree that higher breathing rates are more pronounced with physical activity at the playground? I should think not.

In light of these facts, and the thousands of other studies documenting profound health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure, why haven’t Fredericksburg officials taken swift and decisive action to completely ban smoking from our public playgrounds?

If you are interested in taking a stand against this real threat to our children’s health, please join our new Facebook campaign by signing our Petition for Smoke-Free Playgrounds. With your help, we Fredericksburg moms can ensure our children have healthier air to breathe while enjoying the simple joys of childhood.

Spread the word, share with your friends, and join our campaign!