Implementation phase of the Tobacco-Free Parks Ordinance: a policy evaluation using photographic data

Objective: Mecklenburg County (Charlotte, North Carolina) Board of County Commissioners took the unique step of passing a Tobacco-Free Parks Ordinance designating most county parks as tobacco-free including all smoking products, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. The objective of the baseline phase of the Ordinance evaluation sought to assess whether signage in the parks was associated with the presence of tobacco-use litter.

Study design: A qualitative study was conducted with photography as the method of observation across Mecklenburg County parks in North Carolina.

Methods: A representative sample of 42 parks was selected from the 186 county park properties. Photographs were taken at a list of specific types of locations within each park, with attention to signage and tobacco-use litter (butts, e-cigarette).

Results: Tobacco-use evidence was mostly found in parks' picnic areas (67%) and walking trails (67%), with least found in parks' athletic courts (23%). At least 80% of parks have some tobacco litter. Evidence of tobacco use was not significantly associated with signage.

Conclusion: Little research has focused on the effect of local public policies limiting tobacco use in public outdoor spaces. Findings from this evaluation have potential to inform policy implementation efforts regarding efforts to limit tobacco use in public spaces.