Milford’s ball fields, beaches and other recreational areas are now smoke free.
The Milford Recreation Department adopted a policy recently banning smoking from the sites it maintains.
The new policy sites health factors for the smoker and non-smoker, and notes that the commission feels “that adults should be positive role models and should exhibit healthy and positive behaviors.”
The policy states that “all city recreational facilities shall be smoke and tobacco free zones.”
No person shall use any form of tobacco at or on any city-owned or operated outdoor recreational facilities, including the restrooms, spectator and concession areas. These facilities include, but are not limited to, athletic fields, beaches, parks, playgrounds, recreation/community centers, the skate park, tennis/basketball courts, and walking/hiking trails.
The use of tobacco products is permitted in designated parking areas, the policy states.
Signs will be posted at all areas that prohibit the use of tobacco products.
The community, especially facility users and staff, will be notified about the new policy.
“Staff will make periodic observations of recreational facilities to monitor compliance,” the policy states. “Any person found violating this policy shall be subject to immediate ejection from the recreation facility and may further be denied access to such facility in the future.”
The ban applies to the use of any tobacco products including, but not limited to, the lighting or carrying of a lit cigarette, cigar, pipe or similar device; or the use of smokeless tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes or chewing tobacco.