The Seattle Parks and Recreation is instigating a new Code of Conduct that takes effect today, Thursday, April 1.

It includes provisions from Washington state law, from Seattle City ordinance, from already-adopted administrative rules, and some new provisions. Violation of these rules can result in exclusion from a park or a group of parks. New prohibited behaviors include:

• Possession of glass containers at athletic fields, beaches, or children’s playgrounds;
• Smoking, chewing, or other tobacco use within 25 feet of other park patrons and or at play areas, beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas;
• Conduct that poses a risk of harm to any person or property; and
• Possession of explosives, acid, or any other article or material capable of causing serious harm to others.

By prohibiting smoking in some parks, Seattle Parks join many other cities in Washington state and around the country that are making smoking unacceptable in public places. It is consistent with Seattle Parks and Recreation’s mission to provide healthy, safe places for people to congregate, and it sends a message to Seattle’s youth that the norm is for public places to be smoke-free.

Back in February Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Tim Gallagher tried to ban smoking and tobacco use in parks entirely, but when faced with public backlash, decided to amend his decision and soften the rule to within 25 feet of park patrons and play areas. What do you think of the amended policy and new code of conduct, Queen Anne?