Arlington: 'Please' Don't Smoke in Public Parks

Arlington officials will kick off an effort today to curb outdoor smoking in and near public parks.

While the county lacks the authority to formally ban outdoor smoking in public parks, the Arlington Smoke-Free Parks Initiative asks people to not smoke within 50 feet of areas where crowds gather -- areas like ball fields, pavilions and playgrounds.

Signs asking patrons to "please" not smoke will be posted at the parks. Many already are in place.

Today's kick-off coincides with the American Cancer Society's 36th annual Great American Smokeout.

Arlington County Board member Walter Tejada, Democratic state Del. Patrick Hope and the American Cancer Society's Virginia state director of government relations, Keenan Caldwell, will formally launch the initiative at 2 p.m. today at Bon Air Park, 850 N. Lexington St.

Tejada has spearheaded this initiative since 2008.