Tobacco use remains the #1 cause of preventable death and youth tobacco use rates are unacceptably high with new users under the age of 18 starting every day. Parks and trails are healthy places to exercise, relax, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Tobacco Free Parks & Trails policies allow everyone using the parks to be positive role models for youth, reminding young people that tobacco use (especially e-cigarettes) are unhealthy. Furthermore, the Surgeon General has stated “there is no safe amount of secondhand smoke", and tobacco free policies help reduce the amount of environmental smoke to which young children are exposed. These policies also help keep our parks clean, as cigarette butts are the #1 littered item in the U.S.


The Tobacco Free Parks and Trails Initiative is a local effort led by Tobacco Free Wichita, TFW RESIST (youth), and Mayor's Youth Council to propose an ordinance that prohibits the use of tobacco in City of Wichita owned/controlled parks and trails. We need your support!