As many communities move forward with smoke-free indoor public facilities, the interest in providing smoke-free outdoor facilities has grown. Clean, healthy air is important for all recreational activities, including those that take place outdoors. Blue Valley Recreation Commission (BVRC) leads the charge toward that goal by announcing that its Recreation Complex will now be smoke free.
The smoke-free atmosphere will be implemented for all of the 25 multi-use fields located near 137th Street and Antioch, including the complex’s three concession areas. Each year, more than 500,000 participants, fans and employees pass through the gates of the complex. The decision represents the area’s first move to a non-smoking environment for an outdoor recreation facility.
“Creating a smoke-free environment demonstrates a new level of service and care for our community,” said Steve Baysinger, executive director of Blue Valley Recreation.
Tobacco use remains the most preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. It impacts all Kansans – individual smokers as well as those exposed to second-hand smoke. Approximately 3,900 Kansans die from cigarette smoking every year and around 300 Kansans die annually from passive smoke. According to the 2006 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report, nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent and heart disease by 25 to 30 percent.
The new policy for all areas inside the gates is supported by local health advocates and Johnson County Health Department.
“The connection between second-hand smoke and illnesses in children is undisputed,” stated Nicole Brown of Johnson County Health Department. “This smoke-free policy is a win for all of us – players, coaches and spectators.”
Blue Valley Recreation hopes to encourage other outdoor facilities to follow with similar policies addressing the serious health issue.