Kids and teens seem to be the most frequent visitors at Little Rock's 55 parks. And it's concern for their health that brought the idea of banning smoking to the forefront.
The Parks and Recreation Department wants to explore the issue. "I think it might become a law," says park goer Sharon Niemcyzk.
Niemcyzk comes to Burns Park regularly with school groups. "It is a dirty smell," she describes. Having a safe environment she says is a number one priority.
"Some of our kids have problems with breathing and stuff. Even though you are outside you still have to deal with the smoke smell and the tar," she explains.
At nearby Murray Park, teen Russell Williams doesn't smoke. "Don't blow your smoke in kids' faces," he says.
And as long as that doesn't happen, Williams doesn't understand why lighting up should be banned. "As long as people dispose of their cigarette butts, I don't see a big deal. It's an outdoor place so it is not like you are in a closed confined space where the smoke is going to bother you," he explains.
If it becomes an ordinance, Parks and Recreation Director Truman Tolefree says enforcing it may be difficult. And what do you do about big events like Riverfest held in Riverfront Park?
"Is it simply a courtesy type of enforcement that you put forth saying this is a smoke free zone, please don't smoke or do we actually come out and try to patrol it and that kind of thing?"
The city of Benton has already banned all tobacco products from its parks. But as Today's THV's cameras caught, sometimes it is hard to catch smokers by the time police arrive.
"Obviously, there are many pieces to this puzzlem," explains Tolefree.
So for the time being, officials first want to hear more from the public.
If there is enough support to implement the ban, there will likely be another hearing in the coming months. From there, it will be passed to the city manager and then onto the Little Rock Board of Directors.
In 2006, the legislature banned smoking in all Arkansas workplaces.
